| The city of Bugulma in the Tartarstan Republic of western Russia gets the Habitat Scroll of Honour Award for transforming its contaminated water system into cheaper, safer water for its citizens. Founded in 1736, the city at the confluence of the Bugulminka and Stepnoy Zay rivers, is the centre of petroleum mining in Tatarstan. Other economic activities in the city include machinery production, the processing of agricultural products, and construction, all of which contributed to pollution of the river. Such was the toxicity, that many people became ill. In 1996, the Clean Water Programme was initiated under the guidance of the Bugulma's mayor and with the support of the Tatarstan's president. It has since improved the standard of living and contributed towards the sustainable development of the city and its outlying districts. Residents now enjoy high quality water. The use of many underground springs allowed for a considerable reduction in chlorine treatment, thus reducing the risk of cancer. |
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