The project aims toprovide clean and safe water to hamlets in the CRUSADE’s project areas.Besides eliminating the incidence of water-borne diseases, especially skin infections in the hamlets, access to safe water will also result in savings in the time and energy of family members, especially women, relieving them to focus on other essential activities.

Addressing water-borne diseases

Frequent complaints like “my body itches”, “my eyes burn,” and “my child vomited so many times today” raised concerns within the community. In-depth investigations revealedthat these health issues directly resulted from using or consuming contaminated water. Astraightforward solution to protect the community from water-borne diseases emerged:

A lifeline for the villages

Although these households presently have access to water supplied by the Panchayats either in street taps or from household connections, the supply is often inadequate and irregular, especially during summer. Providing potable water to these hamlets involves digging a bore well of around 150 ft depth, installing a motor pump, laying the needed pipeline, constructing a 3 ft surface-level platform, and mounting the tank of 2000 litre capacity on the platform with a power connection to pump the water.

A splash of water – one village at a time

The families in the four villages (S. Medu in Minjur, Amirthanallur in Ellapuram, Natham in Sholavaram and MGR Nagar in SirupuzhalPettai in Gumudipondy block) have found renewed hope for a healthier future. Community efforts include planting fruit tree saplings and promoting vegetable gardens on panchayat common land. These initiatives aim to enhance sustainability and self-reliance at the village level. Access to clean water improves agricultural opportunities and helps communities adapt to climate change, fostering overall well-being and economic prosperity.

Expanding the reach

With the success and impact witnessed in the initial villages, CRUSADE has set its sights on more significant milestones. So far, CRUSADE covered seven villages and two more on the pipeline. The facility is mostly separate from the Panchayat water supply, which is done by having an overheadtank facility.

As the project expands, so will the positive impact on the lives of countless families.