Project: Swaccho Nirapad Parivesh (Clean and Safe Environment) Everyone Forever Water Services and Systems Strengthening
Funding Partner: National Stock Exchange Foundation
Years of Association: Since Dec 2018
Duration: Three-year association with a renewal contract
Project Cost (INR): Rs. 44,971,797/-
Location: Rajnagar and Khoyrasol blocks in Birbhum district, West Bengal
About the Project
The project aimed to ensure last-mile connectivity among the most vulnerable and excluded communities in Rajnagar and Khoyrasol blocks. The project encompasses three broad objectives: (1) Retrofitting of WASH infrastructure in schools, Anganwadis, primary health centres, and communities; (2) Reinforce positive WASH behaviours for the usage of toilets, handwashing at critical times, safe storage and water handling practices; (3) Build or improve operation and maintenance (O&M) system.
Key Objectives
- Ensuring sustained ODF activities complementing the ODF sustainability guidelines of Swachh Bharat Mission with a focus on the use of toilets and village cleanliness.
- Retrofitting of existing sanitary and water infrastructure in schools and Anganwadi centres to ensure sustained improved hygiene behaviour among children.
- Providing safe drinking water for everyone by improving water and sanitation services.
- Inspiring stakeholder participation at all levels of community development.
- Promoting tariff-based Water User Committees (WUCs) and training local youth as ‘Jalabandhus’ (mobile hand pump mechanics).
Scale of Impact
The combined impact of the two projects has benefitted approximately 20,750 people in 83 habitations and 3,000 children in schools and Anganwadi centres.
Positive Outcomes
- Increased attendance in schools with reduced dropouts.
- Inclusion of WASH as a priority in the Gram Panchayat Development Plan concerning budget allocation for community and schools.
- Adoption of a “systems approach,” which goes beyond infrastructure to recognize that strong WASH service delivery requires multiple factors (financing, service provision, learning, accountability mechanisms) and actors (households, communities, public institutions, local government, PRIs members, private operators) to work together.
Replication and Scaling Up
Water For People India plans to ensure 100% water coverage in schools and communities over the next 5-6 years. The project will strengthen the capacity of community-based institutions, allowing them to work towards improved water and sanitation services in their areas. Initiatives implemented in the two blocks will serve as demonstration and learning sites for scale-up opportunities.
