Imagine living in a community where access to clean drinking water is a luxury. This was the reality for a village in India, where people were suffering from water crisis and health issues due to pollution. But thanks to the efforts of Gram Nirman program working in the area, this community’s story has a happy ending.

“Now we get clean water at our own homes, and our concern for water and our health is minimized,” says Ranga Muni Munda, a resident of Champad village. “As villagers, we are now working together to restore water sources for our future generations.”

Freely available’ natural resources are often overexploited; in the case of Jharkhand, the exploitation of groundwater in the name of development is a key factor contributing to drying up lakes, and thus the water crisis the state currently finds itself in. The Damodar and Subernarekha river valleys, two main sites of industrial mining of coal, iron, bauxite, copper, and uranium in Jharkhand, have subsequently become two of the most polluted rivers in India. Millions of industrial wastes were disposed of into the river drainage system daily, causing severe damage to the river’s water quality.

Water is an essential part of life. We cannot imagine the existence of life on earth without water. This unique resource is utilized for a variety of reasons, including drinking, irrigation, cleaning, and many other purposes. Drinking water is currently under threat of pollution. Water pollution can be found on the surface of the water or beneath the earth. In India, groundwater supplies more than 85 percent of drinking water. People in rural areas used to get their water from open wells, streams, and ponds. However, due to water pollution and health concerns, many have begun to drink water from tube well.

In 2021, Caritas India, with the support of Caritas Australia, launched the Gram Nirman Programme in 165 villages across 11 districts in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, India. Champad is one of the targeted villages where Gram Nirman has been working to improve community livelihoods, bring behavioural changes related to health and wellness, and ensure access to existing health facilities.

Champad is one of the tribal populated villages, with over 105 households, according to the 2011 census. Prior to 2022, the entire community relied on just two tube wells for drinking water. Many times, the tube wells were disorganised, forcing people to acquire water from a nearby river or pond. This has resulted in an increasing number of water-borne diseases that are causing damage on the health of women and children. Because women have to travel a long way for safe drinking water, this circumstance has increased drudgery for them.

In the year 2022, the Gram Nirman team visited local community members and provided information on how to secure a government-funded solar system for the water facility scheme. The community residents agreed and banded together, applying for a solar system of drinking water facilities through the Village Development Plan (VDP) and submitting three applications to the Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) in the year 2022.

To everyone’s delight, the application was approved after continuous follow-up, and the community was granted three water towers. The towers were powered by solar panels, making them sustainable and environmentally friendly. The village communities assisted in the selection of sites. The first solar water tower construction finished in February 2023, and the other two are under construction. 45 families directly benefited as water was channeled through pipelines, ensuring access to clean drinking water at their homes. The water quality is good and safe compared to open well water. The burden of fetching water from water sources by women is reduced.

Accessing safe drinking water was a collective effort of the village communities of Champad village. Caritas India, Gram Nirman team facilitated this process and helped the community to avail the benefit. The community members are very happy and express their gratitude to Caritas India for their help and support.

The impact of this intervention was significant. The community’s health improved, and they were no longer at risk of waterborne illnesses. The women and children, who were often responsible for collecting water from distant sources, were now able to spend their time on other activities. The community’s overall quality of life improved, and they were able to focus on their livelihoods and education.

This success story highlights the impact that Gram Nirman can have on communities. By working with the government and leveraging existing schemes, they can create sustainable solutions that benefit everyone. The Gram Nirman intervention not only provided access to clean drinking water but also had a positive impact on the community’s health, livelihoods, and education.

The Gram Nirman work in this community is a testament to their dedication to improving the lives of the most vulnerable. By working closely with the community, Gram Nirman was able to understand their needs and provide them with the necessary support to access clean drinking water.

In conclusion, the success story of this community is an inspiring example of how Gram Nirman can make a real difference in people’s lives. By working with the government and leveraging existing schemes, they can create sustainable solutions that address the most pressing needs of communities. This story is a reminder that together, we can create a better future for all.