Executive Summary
Access to safe and reliable drinking water remains a critical challenge in many rural regions of India and Nepal. Climate variability, groundwater depletion, contamination from arsenic, fluoride, and microbial pathogens, and inadequate water infrastructure disproportionately affect poor and marginalized communities, particularly women, children, and elderly populations. This proposal presents a comprehensive, community-centered Safe Drinking Water Access Project aimed at improving water availability, quality, and sustainability in selected rural districts of India and Nepal. The project will combine climate-resilient water infrastructure, water quality monitoring, community governance, and hygiene education to ensure long-term access to potable water. Implemented over three years, the initiative seeks to directly benefit over 50,000 rural residents while strengthening local institutions and promoting public health, gender equity, and climate resilience.
Background and Problem Statement
Despite progress under national programs such as the Jal Jeevan Mission in India and the National Water Supply and Sanitation Policy in Nepal, rural water insecurity persists. Many villages rely on seasonal springs, shallow handpumps, or unprotected surface water sources that are vulnerable to droughts, floods, and contamination. In parts of India, groundwater is affected by arsenic and fluoride, while in Nepal’s hill and mountain regions, spring sources are drying due to land-use change and climate stress.
Women and girls bear a disproportionate burden, often walking long distances to fetch water, exposing them to health risks and reducing time for education and livelihoods. Unsafe drinking water contributes to waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera, which remain leading causes of morbidity among children under five. These challenges demand integrated, locally adapted, and sustainable solutions that go beyond infrastructure alone.
Project Goal and Objectives
Overall Goal
To ensure equitable, sustainable, and climate-resilient access to safe drinking water for rural communities in India and Nepal.
Specific Objectives
- Improve access to safe and reliable drinking water for at least 10,000 households in targeted rural areas.
- Reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases through improved water quality and hygiene practices.
- Strengthen community-based water governance systems with a focus on women’s leadership.
- Enhance climate resilience of rural water systems through sustainable source protection and management.
Target Areas and Beneficiaries
The project will be implemented in selected climate-vulnerable rural districts in northern and eastern India and in hill and Terai regions of Nepal. Target beneficiaries include:
- Rural households lacking access to safe drinking water
- Women and girls responsible for water collection
- Children under five and elderly populations vulnerable to waterborne diseases
- Local water user committees and village institutions
Special emphasis will be placed on marginalized groups, including low-income households, indigenous communities, and remote settlements.
Project Components and Activities
- Component 1: Climate-Resilient Water Infrastructure Development
- Construction and rehabilitation of gravity-fed water supply systems, borewells, and piped water networks
- Installation of water storage tanks and household tap connections
- Source protection measures, including spring rejuvenation, catchment treatment, and recharge structures
- Introduction of solar-powered pumping systems where feasible
- Component 2: Water Quality Improvement and Monitoring
- Installation of water purification technologies such as filtration units, chlorination systems, and arsenic/fluoride removal units
- Regular water quality testing using field test kits and laboratory analysis
- Establishment of community-led water quality monitoring groups
- Development of simple digital or manual water safety plans at the village level
- Component 3: Community Governance and Capacity Building
- Formation or strengthening of Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs)
- Training on operation and maintenance of water systems
- Financial management and tariff-setting for sustainability
- Leadership and governance training with at least 50% women representation
- Component 4: Hygiene, Sanitation, and Behavior Change Communication
- Community awareness campaigns on safe water handling, storage, and sanitation
- School-based hygiene education programs
- Promotion of handwashing and household-level water treatment practices
- Engagement of local health workers and educators as change agents
Gender and Social Inclusion Strategy
The project adopts a strong gender and social inclusion approach. Women will be actively involved in planning, decision-making, and management of water systems. Separate consultations will be held to ensure women’s voices are heard. The project will also ensure access for persons with disabilities and elderly populations by designing user-friendly water points and household connections.
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability
Climate resilience is central to the project design. Water sources will be selected based on hydrogeological assessments and climate risk analysis. Catchment protection, afforestation, and soil and water conservation measures will enhance recharge and reduce seasonal variability. The project will promote water conservation practices and energy-efficient technologies to minimize environmental impact.
Implementation Strategy and Partnerships
The project will be implemented through a partnership model involving local NGOs, community-based organizations, local governments, and technical experts. Collaboration with public health departments and water authorities will ensure alignment with national policies and programs. Community ownership will be fostered from the planning stage to ensure long-term sustainability.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
A robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework will be established. Key indicators include:
- Number of households with access to safe drinking water
- Water quality compliance with national standards
- Reduction in reported waterborne disease cases
- Functionality rate of water systems after two years
Baseline, midline, and endline assessments will be conducted, and lessons learned will be documented and shared with stakeholders.
Expected Outcomes and Impact
- Improved access to safe drinking water for over 50,000 people
- Reduced health risks and healthcare costs associated with waterborne diseases
- Enhanced time savings for women and girls, enabling better education and livelihoods
- Strengthened local institutions capable of managing water resources sustainably
Budget Overview
The estimated budget will cover infrastructure development, capacity building, community engagement, monitoring, and project management. Cost-sharing with communities and local governments will be encouraged to enhance ownership and sustainability. A detailed budget will be developed in consultation with donors and partners.
Sustainability and Exit Strategy
Sustainability will be ensured through community ownership, user fee systems, capacity building, and integration with local government plans. By the end of the project, communities will have the skills, resources, and institutional structures required to operate and maintain water systems independently.
Conclusion
Safe drinking water is fundamental to health, dignity, and sustainable development. This project offers an integrated, climate-resilient, and community-driven solution to rural water insecurity in India and Nepal. By combining infrastructure, governance, and behavior change, the initiative will deliver lasting benefits and contribute to national and global development goals, including SDG 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation.
