個案資料

In March 2018, the executive committee of the Shree Sharanam Co-op Housing residential society in the state of Gujarat, India attempted to bring transformation at the community level. The committee members knew that water was a precious natural resource that had to be used judiciously. Everyone wanted water to be available as and when required, but the challenge was to apply principles to people’s behaviour. The residents agreed that water conservation was essential but did not have any impetus to this common cause because it involved a price—both monetary and non-monetary—along with other daunting tasks of organizing resources and managing resistance. The committee gathered evidence and decided to propose installing water meters in each household of the residential society to curb the misuse of fresh water.

This case is suitable for post-graduate public policy, management, and planning programs in courses or modules such as urban governance and management, water management, behavioural change for public service delivery, delivery of public value, and community participation. This case study attempts to showcase the urgency of water management and conservation along with initiatives at the community level to manage water demand. The case presents an account of how a few people tried to bring transformation at the community level. Fresh water is a precious yet exhaustible resource that must be used judiciously, although people generally expect this natural resource to be conveniently available for their free use. Applying principles of responsible consumption to one’s own behaviour, and creating a discipline for conservation, can present significant challenges. After completion of this case, students will be able to<ul><li>understand the intricacies involved in a behavioural change program at the community level for a public service by decoding the nature of resistance to any such change;</li><li>evaluate the challenges and resistance involved in the mobilization of communities to achieve a desired state of transformation;</li><li>appraise the importance of evidence to manage resistance and design better engagement strategies; and</li><li>comprehend the utilization of incentives and disincentives as a nudging strategy for behavioural change.</li></ul>

• sustainable communities
• water metering
• civic engagement