The ASK Foundation’s support in providing Matikalp water purifiers has brought real change to families in remote villages like Andharpada. For Jamuna Rohidas Pawara, it meant a safe and dependable source of drinking water—ending years of illness and daily hardship.
Milind Patil, Project Coordinator at CYDA, shares, “Jamuna’s story shows how a simple, low-cost solution can restore health, time, and dignity. When support meets real needs, transformation follows.”
Background
Andharpada is a remote tribal village situated within the Nagziri Gram Panchayat, with approximately 40 families residing. It has an Anganwadi center and a school up to 4th grade. The residents primarily engage in farming and labor work. There is also a significant amount of seasonal migration. Like many other rural areas in India, Andharpada lacks access to basic water infrastructure, forcing residents to depend on natural but unsafe sources of water for everyday needs. The area faces major issues related to health, sanitation and drinking water. Most families use water from streams for drinking purposes. Farming is largely dependent on rainfall, while during the Rabi season, water from streams and borewells is used for irrigation.
For families like that of Jamuna Pawara, the nearby stream was the sole water source for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. However, this water source was visibly contaminated. Despite the risks, the family had no alternative. As a result, frequent water-borne illnesses plaguedthe household, compromising their well-being and productivity. In addition, fetching water was a time-consuming and hazardous task, especially for children navigating unsafe paths.
Core Struggles of the family
Jamuna’s and her family faced several hardships with regards to water problems because they had no access to clean drinking water. These challenges affected their health, safety, and daily life in many ways:
- Lack of access to clean drinking water: The family had no choice but to use water from a nearby stream. This water was visibly dirty and unsafe, but it was their only source for drinking, cooking, washing and cleaning.
- Health Issues: Due to unclean water, the family members often fell sick. They suffered from stomach pain, diarrhea, and other water borne illnesses, which made them unhealthy.
- Spending a lot of time collecting water: Fetching water from the stream took a lot of time and effort every day. It was especially difficult for children and women, who had to carry heavy pots and walk on unsafe paths.
- Less time for school and family work: The time spent on getting water meant less time for studying and helping at home. Children’s education and daily family routines have been affected. This ultimately affected their expenses.
- No other options available: There was no tap water, no electricity, and no other way to clean the water. This left the family stuck in an unsafe situation with no way to improve it on their own.
These issues underscored the urgent need for a sustainable and accessible clean water solution that did not rely on electricity or complex infrastructure.
Introduction of Matikalp Water Purifier
CYDA provided a Matikalp non-electric water purifier to Jamuna’s family as part of its initiative to promote decentralized access to clean drinking water in rural communities. Matikalp is a gravity-based, non-electric water purifier designed to be used in off-grid and resource-scarce settings. It effectively filters microbial and particulate contaminants, making even visibly dirty water safe for consumption.
Impact
Within just two months of receiving the Matikalp purifier, the family experienced a clear and positive change, which has brought safe water daily—bringing peace of mind and a better quality of life.
- No reported illness in the household since using the purifier.
- The family now consumes clean, odourless and tasting water.
- Time saved from boiling or fetching water are now been used for household activities.
- Reduced healthcare costs and improved energy levels.
- Children’s safety improved, as they no longer need to fetch water from the stream.
Jamuna shared with relief, “It’s been two months, and no one in the house has fallen sick.
Therefore, water should be made available to the entire village. This statement reflects the broader community need for equitable access to clean water. It emphasizes that the health and dignity of a few households, while important, are not sufficient. Entire communities must benefit from such life-changing solutions.
Lessons Learnt
- Decentralized and low-tech solutions like Matikalp can be highly effective in rural, off-grid areas.
- Clean water access directly enhances health outcomes, particularly in families with vulnerable members.
- Community-wide implementation is crucial to develop equity and broader impact.
- Empowering local communities with tools that require no electricity or ongoing maintenance is sustainable and scalable.
This case study from Andharpada demonstrates how a simple water purifier can transform daily life, improve public health, and restore dignity in underserved communities. The story of Jamuna Rohidas Pawara is evidence to how affordable, decentralized water solutions can bridge gaps left by inadequate infrastructure.
