ASK Foundation’s Community Led Initiative at WAYANAD

The tribal communities in WAYANAD   have long struggled with access to safe drinking water.  Landslips, frequent floods in the region have not only disrupted daily life but also led to severe water contamination, resulting in outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera. On the occasion of World Water Day, Pravin Jadhav, Executive Director, CYDA writes about an initiative by ASK Foundation in Wayanad.

According to UNICEF, nearly 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. In India alone, more than 163 million people do not have access to clean water, disproportionately affecting rural and tribal populations.  Even today, many rely on contaminated sources, leading to severe health risks such as waterborne diseases. Especially people from tribal and remote locations have no choice but to consume unsafe water due to the absence of alternatives.

CYDA, with the support of the ASK Foundation, has implemented an intervention to address the pressing issue of clean water accessibility.  Shreyas joined as a key role in ensuring active local participation to reach the underserved locations in the Sultan Bathery region.  Recently 12 people were hospitalized and one life was lost due to a lack of safe drinking water.

As part of ASK Foundation’s Flood Response Program, 41 flood-affected pockets in the block of Sulthan Bathery was identified and provided safe drinking water, a few handpump-based and others solar system-based.   To address this critical need, the below initiatives have been implemented: A total of 35 hand-pump-based stations have been installed, ensuring access to safe drinking water for 1,443 people in tribal pockets. These stations offer a reliable and consistent source of clean water, even in areas with limited infrastructure, reducing dependency on unsafe water sources

In Sulthan Bathery and Panamaram, six solar-powered Jalminar stations have been set up, benefiting 700 people. These stations leverage solar energy to pump and purify water, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for clean drinking water access in flood-prone and off-grid areas.

Impact of the Initiative

The active involvement of youth has been pivotal in building a sustainable and resilient water management model. Their engagement has not only ensured the long-term success of the initiative but has also empowered them to take ownership of their community’s water resources, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership for future generations.

The implementation of clean water solutions has brought significant benefits to the community:

• Safe and Clean Drinking Water: A total of 183,870 liters of water has been filtered, ensuring access to safe drinking water for communities in need.
• Environmental Sustainability: By utilizing solar-powered water stations, the project has minimized its carbon footprint, promoting eco-friendly solutions.
• Time Savings and Increased Productivity: Community members have collectively saved 76,700 hours that were previously spent collecting water. This time can now be used for education, livelihood activities, and other productive tasks.
• Reduced Health Risks: The availability of clean water has significantly lowered the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and skin infections.
• Improved Health and Well-Being: With fewer cases of waterborne illnesses, the community is experiencing better overall health, leading to improved quality of life.
• Empowered and Self-Sufficient Community: Active community involvement in the project has fostered a sense of ownership, ensuring long-term sustainability and responsible water management.

One beneficiary shared, “Due to floods, all our wells were contaminated. We had to travel long distances for drinking water and used contaminated water for domestic purposes. This new water station is a game-changer. We have access to safe and clean water nearby without relying on electricity.