Story of Change: From Contaminated Water to a Healthier Future
In the remote, hilly terrains and mining-rich areas of Odisha, water has always been a double-edged sword. For years, communities relied on hand pumps for their daily needs, but the water they drew was far from safe. Contaminated with iron, fluoride, and other harmful minerals, it carried invisible threats that manifested in constant stomach pain, dental problems, and worse. Yet, when the water from the hand pumps turned too foul to drink, these families had little choice but to turn to spring water—only to find that it, too, was often tainted by open defecation. Diarrhea, malnutrition, and a host of other health crises became a grim reality, especially for the most vulnerable.
This was the world that Atmashakti encountered in 2015. It was clear that something had to change—not just the access to water but the very quality of it. We recognized that safe drinking water was not just a necessity; it was a fundamental right. And so, we embarked on a mission to ensure that every family, even in the most remote corners of Odisha, would have access to clean, safe water.
The journey was not easy. For three years, we campaigned tirelessly, raising awareness about the dangers lurking in the water sources that so many depended on. We mobilized thousands of community leaders, educating them on the critical importance of water quality. These leaders, in turn, took action. They began to mark contaminated pumps with a red cross, a bold declaration that this water was no longer safe. They demanded something better—piped water supply or solar pumps that would bring clean water to their villages.
Our voices were heard. In 2017-18, the government of Odisha responded by including piped water supply to these areas as a priority in their manifesto. This commitment led to the launch of the Buxi Jagabandhu Assured Drinking Water to All Habitation (BASUDHA) scheme, a monumental initiative with a budget of Rs. 1,000 crore aimed at providing piped water to every household.
Atmashakti’s role didn’t stop there. We continued to drive the change, ensuring the scheme reached those who needed it most. Our “Model Village” initiative, aligned with the fourth LSDG, was at the heart of this transformation. We didn’t just focus on infrastructure; we worked to change perceptions and behaviors, helping communities understand that safe drinking water was essential to their health and future.
The impact of our efforts was profound. By 2024, the condition of tube wells had dramatically improved, with the percentage of platforms in good condition soaring from 32% to 82%. The number of defunct standposts also decreased, from 36% to 30%, signaling a significant enhancement in water distribution and reliability. These weren’t just numbers—they represented lives changed, health restored, and futures secured.
The Mahila Sangram Samiti has played a pivotal role in water use and conservation, empowering women to become effective change agents through leadership building and continuous support. In Hemgiri block, the Samiti has facilitated the testing of 55 water bodies in collaboration with RWSS staff and ensured the installation of drinking water facilities in over 30 schools. Their persistent efforts have also led to the sanctioning of more than 100 individual household latrines in Hemagiri Gram Panchayats, including Podapathar, under the Nirmal Bharat Yojana. By capitalizing on the scheme’s provision that reserves a minimum of 33% of seats for women in village water and sanitation committees, these women have taken on key roles in local water management. Additionally, their advocacy resulted in the sanctioning of 5 lakh rupees last year for the renovation of a pond in Podapathar village under MGNREGA, further enhancing water conservation and providing a sustainable resource for the community. The Samiti’s work exemplifies the profound impact of women’s participation in local governance and community development.
A comprehensive assessment in 2023, covering nearly 10,000 villages, provided critical insights that guided ongoing improvements and policy adjustments. By tackling issues of groundwater depletion and contamination, we ensured that every household had access to potable water, leading to better health outcomes and promoting environmental sustainability across the region.
Our journey from contaminated water to a healthier future is a testament to the power of community mobilization and sustained advocacy. Atmashakti’s story is one of relentless pursuit of what is right, of transforming challenges into opportunities, and of ensuring that safe drinking water is not just a distant dream but a reality for all. Through our efforts, we have shown that when communities come together with a shared vision, real, lasting change is possible.
This was the world that Atmashakti encountered in 2015. It was clear that something had to change—not just the access to water but the very quality of it. We recognized that safe drinking water was not just a necessity; it was a fundamental right. And so, we embarked on a mission to ensure that every family, even in the most remote corners of Odisha, would have access to clean, safe water.
The journey was not easy. For three years, we campaigned tirelessly, raising awareness about the dangers lurking in the water sources that so many depended on. We mobilized thousands of community leaders, educating them on the critical importance of water quality. These leaders, in turn, took action. They began to mark contaminated pumps with a red cross, a bold declaration that this water was no longer safe. They demanded something better—piped water supply or solar pumps that would bring clean water to their villages.
Our voices were heard. In 2017-18, the government of Odisha responded by including piped water supply to these areas as a priority in their manifesto. This commitment led to the launch of the Buxi Jagabandhu Assured Drinking Water to All Habitation (BASUDHA) scheme, a monumental initiative with a budget of Rs. 1,000 crore aimed at providing piped water to every household.
Atmashakti’s role didn’t stop there. We continued to drive the change, ensuring the scheme reached those who needed it most. Our “Model Village” initiative, aligned with the fourth LSDG, was at the heart of this transformation. We didn’t just focus on infrastructure; we worked to change perceptions and behaviors, helping communities understand that safe drinking water was essential to their health and future.
The impact of our efforts was profound. By 2024, the condition of tube wells had dramatically improved, with the percentage of platforms in good condition soaring from 32% to 82%. The number of defunct standposts also decreased, from 36% to 30%, signaling a significant enhancement in water distribution and reliability. These weren’t just numbers—they represented lives changed, health restored, and futures secured.
The Mahila Sangram Samiti has played a pivotal role in water use and conservation, empowering women to become effective change agents through leadership building and continuous support. In Hemgiri block, the Samiti has facilitated the testing of 55 water bodies in collaboration with RWSS staff and ensured the installation of drinking water facilities in over 30 schools. Their persistent efforts have also led to the sanctioning of more than 100 individual household latrines in Hemagiri Gram Panchayats, including Podapathar, under the Nirmal Bharat Yojana. By capitalizing on the scheme’s provision that reserves a minimum of 33% of seats for women in village water and sanitation committees, these women have taken on key roles in local water management. Additionally, their advocacy resulted in the sanctioning of 5 lakh rupees last year for the renovation of a pond in Podapathar village under MGNREGA, further enhancing water conservation and providing a sustainable resource for the community. The Samiti’s work exemplifies the profound impact of women’s participation in local governance and community development.
A comprehensive assessment in 2023, covering nearly 10,000 villages, provided critical insights that guided ongoing improvements and policy adjustments. By tackling issues of groundwater depletion and contamination, we ensured that every household had access to potable water, leading to better health outcomes and promoting environmental sustainability across the region.
Our journey from contaminated water to a healthier future is a testament to the power of community mobilization and sustained advocacy. Atmashakti’s story is one of relentless pursuit of what is right, of transforming challenges into opportunities, and of ensuring that safe drinking water is not just a distant dream but a reality for all. Through our efforts, we have shown that when communities come together with a shared vision, real, lasting change is possible.