Harnessing Solar Power,
Empowering Communities
“Every drop of water came with a price—my time, my strength, and
sometimes even my safety. For 30 years, fetching water defined my life.
Now, with a clean source nearby, I finally feel free.” – Martha Mandal
For many in the bustling cities,
the idea of fetching water seems
straightforward, almost mundane.
But for Martha Mandal and
countless women in the remote
village of Gurupada in Odisha’s
Kandhamal district, it was an
ordeal that defined their lives.
Imagine waking up every day,
knowing that the next few hours
would be spent on a grueling
journey just to collect
water—water that might not even
be safe to drink. And then think
of the physical strain, the time
lost, and the constant fear of
harassment or assault in the
lonely stretches of forest they had
to traverse.
This is the reality for many tribal women in Odisha. Despite India’s technological advancements, basic necessities like safe drinking water remain out of reach for millions in rural areas. A 2023 study by Atmashakti Trust found that 40.93% of tube wells and 48.6% of standposts across 9,856 villages in Odisha were defunct. With no reliable infrastructure, villagers were forced to rely on contaminated sources, leading to widespread health issues, including chronic anemia and malnutrition among women and children.
In such challenging conditions, innovative solutions like solarpowered water systems are not just beneficial—they are essential. For villages like Gurupada, located in hilly, remote areas where traditional infrastructure is impractical, solar energy provides a sustainable and reliable alternative. Solar water pumps can function independently of erratic power supplies, ensuring that even the most isolated communities have access to clean water.
The introduction of solarpowered water tanks in three blocks of Kandhamal district, through the persistent efforts of Jeebika Surakhya Mancha and local authorities, marked a turning point for these communities. No longer did women like Martha have to trek miles for water; instead, clean, safe water was available near their homes. This not only eased the physical burden but also significantly improved the community’s overall health and well-being.
The impact of such initiatives is profound. By harnessing solar power, villages are not only addressing immediate water needs but are also laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term development. In many parts of India, over 82% of villages still lack access to piped water, and for remote tribal communities, solar pumps represent a viable and effective solution to this challenge.
At Atmashakti Trust, our mission goes beyond simply providing access to water; we focus on ensuring that the water is safe and that the solutions we implement are sustainable. By identifying remote areas in need, working closely with the government, and promoting community ownership of these projects, we empower villages to take charge of their own development. The success of solar water initiatives in Odisha is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of local communities. It has led to large-scale impact as out of 1039 villages, 42.16 percent of villages have received access to solar water tanks.
Martha’s story is just one of many, but it highlights the broader narrative of resilience and innovation in India’s tribal regions. As we continue to support and expand these initiatives, we are not only bringing water to those who need it most—we are helping to build a future where every village has the resources it needs to thrive.
This is the reality for many tribal women in Odisha. Despite India’s technological advancements, basic necessities like safe drinking water remain out of reach for millions in rural areas. A 2023 study by Atmashakti Trust found that 40.93% of tube wells and 48.6% of standposts across 9,856 villages in Odisha were defunct. With no reliable infrastructure, villagers were forced to rely on contaminated sources, leading to widespread health issues, including chronic anemia and malnutrition among women and children.
In such challenging conditions, innovative solutions like solarpowered water systems are not just beneficial—they are essential. For villages like Gurupada, located in hilly, remote areas where traditional infrastructure is impractical, solar energy provides a sustainable and reliable alternative. Solar water pumps can function independently of erratic power supplies, ensuring that even the most isolated communities have access to clean water.
The introduction of solarpowered water tanks in three blocks of Kandhamal district, through the persistent efforts of Jeebika Surakhya Mancha and local authorities, marked a turning point for these communities. No longer did women like Martha have to trek miles for water; instead, clean, safe water was available near their homes. This not only eased the physical burden but also significantly improved the community’s overall health and well-being.
The impact of such initiatives is profound. By harnessing solar power, villages are not only addressing immediate water needs but are also laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term development. In many parts of India, over 82% of villages still lack access to piped water, and for remote tribal communities, solar pumps represent a viable and effective solution to this challenge.
At Atmashakti Trust, our mission goes beyond simply providing access to water; we focus on ensuring that the water is safe and that the solutions we implement are sustainable. By identifying remote areas in need, working closely with the government, and promoting community ownership of these projects, we empower villages to take charge of their own development. The success of solar water initiatives in Odisha is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of local communities. It has led to large-scale impact as out of 1039 villages, 42.16 percent of villages have received access to solar water tanks.
Martha’s story is just one of many, but it highlights the broader narrative of resilience and innovation in India’s tribal regions. As we continue to support and expand these initiatives, we are not only bringing water to those who need it most—we are helping to build a future where every village has the resources it needs to thrive.