Knowledge Centre

From River to Relief: Delivering Clean Water to Sakhar Village

A lack of knowledge about proper purification methods is evident in 42.7% of Velhe taluka villagers who strain their drinking water and only 1.6% who boil it. The villagers also urge improved sanitation and drainage, as well as better awareness of child and maternal health.

The community spends an average of INR 7,757 annually on health, much of which is attributed to water-borne illnesses. A few wealthy families manage their water resources through private systems, while many others rely on shared wells and nearby bodies of water.

In the same Velhe taluka, Neelam Renuse, a villager, recounts the impact a water filtration system had on her community.

“Before the water filter, we used river water for all our daily needs, including drinking,” Neelam explains. “This often led to water-borne illnesses due to the lack of proper sanitation.”

The turning point came when the Raintree Foundation proposed a solution during a village meeting. They highlighted the critical need for clean water and proper sanitation. Recognizing the importance of water hygiene, the villagers unanimously agreed to the construction of a water filter. “It was a collective decision. We all understood how vital clean water is for our health,” says Neelam.

A year ago, the water filtration system was installed, and since then, it has made a world of difference. “For the past year, we have been drawing clean water from the filter tank. It costs just five rupees to get twenty litres of purified water,” Neelam shares.
This system has not only reduced waterborne infections in Sakhar but has also been cost-effective for the villagers. “We no longer need to buy large containers of water, which saves us money,” Neelam adds.

“The best part is how easy it is to use. With just a single card tap, we can fill our buckets with clean water,” Neelam concludes, emphasising the accessibility and convenience of the filtration system.

This innovation has truly transformed the lives of the people in Sakhar gaon, ensuring better health and well-being for all.