The past quarter has been both eventful and encouraging for Water For People, as we deepened our work across states through capacity building, innovation, and community partnerships. In Bihar and West Bengal, our efforts to strengthen community-led water governance and convergence with government programs have shown promising results, while in Maharashtra and Odisha, multi-stakeholder consultations and awareness drives have highlighted the importance of collaboration for climate-resilient water systems.
It was particularly inspiring to see the energy of youth engagement through Yuva Ki Leher, the commitment of women’s collectives in Birbhum, and the strong partnerships emerging with government and CSR stakeholders. These initiatives demonstrate how collective action—driven by communities, supported by institutions, and guided by technical expertise—can create lasting impact.
As we move forward, our focus will remain on building resilient systems, promoting inclusive participation, and ensuring that every intervention contributes to sustainable WASH services and stronger communities. I thank our teams, partners, and supporters for their continued dedication and collaboration in this journey.
– Wakeel Ahmed Siddiqui, Program Director
Updates from Assam
Cleanliness Drive in Kamrup under Har Ghar Tiranga, Har Ghar Swachhata Campaign
As part of the Har Ghar Tiranga, Har Ghar Swachhata campaign, a cleanliness drive was organized under the ITC Mission Sunehra Kal program at Kochpara Gram Panchayat and Mirza Market Place in Rampur Block, Kamrup Rural District, Assam. The initiative combined the spirit of patriotism with community action to promote hygiene, sanitation, and environmental awareness in the lead-up to Independence Day.
Mobile Toilet Facilities Inaugurated at Tea Estates in Assam
A significant step towards dignity and health for tea garden workers was taken with the inauguration of new mobile toilet facilities at Behora and Bukhial Tea Estates in Assam. The event was graced by Chief Guest Shri Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, MP from Kaziranga, along with district officials. These facilities will improve sanitation access for workers, reinforcing Water For People’s commitment to safe and inclusive WASH services in underserved communities.
Building Local Leadership for Sustaining JJM in Assam
Water For People, as a resource partner to Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Assam, collaborated with the State Institute of Panchayat and Rural Development (SIPRD) to build the capacity of newly elected Gram Panchayat Presidents across 27 districts. Led with the support of Assistant Mission Director Arnav Boruah and his team, the training focused on governance, financial planning, and leveraging 15th Finance Commission (15th FC) grants for the operation and maintenance of rural water supply schemes. By strengthening local leadership, the program is enabling GP Presidents to drive financial sustainability and long-term stewardship of JJM systems at the grassroots level.
Updates From Bihar
Nayagaon GP Strengthens Financial Accountability under mGram Initiative
Under the DPI mGram initiative, Nayagaon Gram Panchayat in Dumari Katsari block, Sheohar District successfully mobilized user fee collection across multiple wards. The funds were deposited into the Ward Implementation and Management Committee (WIMC) account, promoting transparent financial management and strengthening accountability in rural water supply operations.
Jal Chaupal Strengthens Community-Led Water Governance in Nalanda
Jal Chaupal activities were organized in Amraura, Badhuna, and Rukhai Gram Panchayats of Chandi Block, Nalanda District, providing a platform for dialogue on water-related issues. Discussions covered PWSS user fee collection, tank maintenance, water quality testing, and conservation practices. The sessions were documented using the AVNI App, ensuring digital record-keeping alongside community engagement. By empowering local leaders to convene these meetings, the initiative is fostering participatory water governance and collective ownership of water resources.
State-Level Sector Assessment on Building Block Analysis Held in Patna
On July 25, 2025, a state-level sector assessment workshop was held in Patna with UNICEF, AKF, AKRSPI, WaterAid, Gram Vaani, Gram Swaraj, PHED, and other key partners. The discussions highlighted strengths and gaps across nine building blocks, emphasizing the need for capacity building, better data management, and convergence between Panchayati Raj Department and Public Health Engineering Department for Pipe Water Scheme trainings. Key recommendations included mapping O&M requirements, enhancing skilling, developing SOPs for contractors, and introducing online courses for officials to strengthen water governance in Bihar.
Supporting Bhojpur District in Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2025
On July 28, 2025, Water For People supported the Bhojpur District Water and Sanitation Committee in monitoring, virtual training, and mobilization efforts for Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2025 citizen feedback in Sandesh Block. The training, conducted with officials from the Lohiya Swachh Bihar Abhiyan (LSBA) and Community-Based Inclusive Education Cell (CBIEC), focused on effective communication strategies and community engagement to maximize citizen participation. By equipping field teams with the right tools, the initiative aims to increase positive feedback and strengthen Bhojpur’s performance.
FSTP in Muzaffarpur Demonstrates Cost-Recovery Success
In the past quarter, the Mahdeiya, Minapur Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) in Muzaffarpur processed nearly 70,000 liters of sludge through 26 trips, operating 25–28 days each month. The plant produced 2,300 kg of Sona Khaad (compost) and 1,850 liters of Sona Taral (liquid soil enhancer), with sales of 1,840 kg and 1,265 liters generating ₹40,250 in revenue. This surpassed its O&M cost of ₹37,500, proving both financial sustainability and its potential as a replicable circular economy model.
Updates from Maharashtra
Community Plantation Drive in Pune Promotes Sustainability and Partnerships
Water For People, with CSR support from 3M India Ltd., organized a Community Plantation Programme at Parhadmala, Kendur, Shirur Block, Pune. The event brought together 31 participants, including villagers, Water Management Committee members, WFPIT staff, and senior 3M CSR representatives, who jointly planted forest and fruit-bearing saplings. Demonstrations on soil and water conservation and sustainable farming practices were also showcased. The initiative aims to enhance biodiversity, improve soil and water retention, and strengthen community ownership, while highlighting the power of CSR–community collaboration for long-term environmental sustainability.
World Agriculture Day Celebrated with Farmers in Pune
On July 8, 2025, Water For People celebrated World Agriculture Day at Asmita Hall, Kendur, Shirur Block, Pune, in collaboration with the local farming community. The event brought together 67 farmers, community leaders, Gram Panchayat members, Water Management Committee representatives, and women’s self-help groups. Dr. Yogesh Yadav, Soil Scientist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Narayangaon, led an interactive session on organic farming and soil testing, highlighting their role in soil health and crop sustainability. The celebration reinforced WFPIT’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly practices, and farmer empowerment.
Updates from Odisha
Child Cabinet Empowers Students in Hygiene and Leadership
Under the ITC Mission Sunehra Kal, six child cabinet were formed with defined roles and responsibilities, enabling students to learn about child rights, handwashing, sanitation, and toilet usage. They also took charge of the Swachhata Monitoring Board. This initiative has empowered children as leaders, strengthened hygiene awareness, and encouraged active participation in school cleanliness and climate-related activities.
Updates from West Bengal
School Exhibition on Climate Change and Swachhata Pakhwada in Kolkata
Water For People India Trust, under ITC Mission Sunehra Kal, organized a School Exhibition at Boinchtala Upendranath Vidyamandir, Kolkata. Students presented creative models and posters on global warming, pollution, deforestation, and renewable energy, showcasing their awareness and innovation. As part of Swachhata Pakhwada, the Child Cabinet led a cleanliness drive, cleaning school premises and segregating waste. The initiative promoted environmental responsibility and earned appreciation from teachers and parents.
State-Level WASH Reflection Workshop Held in Kolkata
A one-day state-level reflection workshop aligned with the Building Block framework was organized in Kolkata, bringing together senior officials from PHED, P&RD, WBSRLM, Education, Health, STARPARD, WRDD, and the Environment Department, along with sector experts and development partners. The workshop assessed systemic gaps in WASH and water resource management across West Bengal. Key challenges highlighted included gaps between planning and execution of schemes, weak monitoring systems, inadequate community engagement, and poor management of solid waste and MHM. Discussions emphasized the need for stronger inter-departmental coordination, localized capacity building, and sustainable, community-driven approaches to improve service delivery.
Strengthening WASH and Gender Convergence in Birbhum
Between July and September 2025, the West Bengal State Rural Livelihood Mission (WBSRLM), with technical support from Water For People India, conducted a series of capacity-building programmes in Birbhum District. Starting with a District Convergence Workshop on July 4, followed by block-level orientations, over 75,000 people were reached on WASH, Gender, and FNHW issues. In August alone, 74,386 participants were sensitized through grassroots campaigns. Under the Swachh Sabuje Anandadhara initiative, SHG members in Rajnagar and Khoyrasol led door-to-door outreach, school and health centre visits, and awareness drives, reaching 375 households across 45 villages within 10 days. This effort highlights how large-scale training and community action are fostering a resilient, gender-responsive WASH ecosystem in Birbhum.
Strengthening Water Resource Management in South 24 Parganas
Under the Oak Foundation-supported program, advances have been made in water resource management interventions in South 24 Parganas through 5-square model ponds, pond desiltation, and ridge-and-furrow systems, benefiting women’s SHGs and farmers. Communities are also adopting saline fishery, saline-tolerant crops, and water-efficient farming practices. Additionally, community water filters are being installed in Gosaba and Patharpratima to significantly improve household access to safe drinking water.
Alliance for Water Security in Indian Sundarbans Strengthened
On September 2, 2025, the Alliance for Water Security in Indian Sundarbans (AWSIS) consultation, with support from Oak Foundation, brought together leading organizations including Water For People, AKVO Foundation, PRASARI, WaterAid, Mukti Foundation, and others to build a collaborative platform for knowledge sharing, advocacy, and joint action on water security. Facilitated by AKVO, the meeting identified risks such as weak communication and unclear roles while setting a six-month roadmap with monthly meetings, clear protocols, and working committees. The consultation ended with a collective commitment to move from dialogue to action, anchored in inclusivity, integration, and accountability.
Organizational Updates:
Yuva Ki Leher: Engaging Youth on India’s Groundwater Crisis – Yuva Ki Leher, the youth engagement arm of Water For People India’s Guardians of Groundwater campaign was held at Development Management Institute, Patna, Jamia Milia Islamia, Delhi and Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi. The campaign aims to connect students with the realities of India’s silent groundwater crisis. Through expert talks, media simulations, and creative content challenges, the program inspires student-led narratives that blend research, empathy, and action.
High-Level Consultation on Climate-Resilient Water Security in Maharashtra – On August 21, 2025, the Water Supply and Sanitation Department (WSSD), Government of Maharashtra, in partnership with UNICEF, Frank Water, ACWADAM, Water For People India, and Primove, convened a high-level consultation in Mumbai on advancing climate-resilient water safety and security under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). The workshop, held at Taj President, brought together over 65 experts, government officials, CSR representatives, and civil society leaders. Key discussions emphasized collaborative solutions for sustainable drinking water, including stronger community systems, hydrogeology-driven planning, better resource management, and improved operations and maintenance.
Water For People India at World Water Week 2025 – Country Director, Bishwadeep Ghose, represented Water For People India at World Water Week 2025 in Stockholm. The global event brought together leaders, experts, and practitioners to share knowledge and solutions on pressing water challenges. His participation highlighted Water For People India’s commitment to advancing sustainable WASH services and contributing to global dialogues on water security and resilience.
Add a Call to Action:
follow us on 
and 
to stay posted
Email us at india@waterforpeople.org if you’d like some details or clarifications on any part of the newsletter. You can also write to us to explore ways to partner or collaborate with us.
