Our Work
Why Water?
Water is not just a basic need; it’s a lifeline. It’s the cool relief after a hot day, the source of vitality for every living thing. We’ve chosen to focus on water because its scarcity touches lives in ways unimaginable. From the arid stretches yearning for rain to the quiet struggles of those who walk miles for a single drop, water scarcity is a silent crisis affecting communities worldwide. It hinders children from attending school regularly, forces families into a cycle of sickness, and stifles the potential of entire communities. In most rural areas, even if water is available, it’s not clean. Families often draw water from sources that are contaminated, risking their health with every sip. The lack of access to clean water leads to waterborne diseases, affecting the very fabric of community well-being.
By addressing water challenges, we’re not just tackling thirst; we’re unlocking the potential for health, education, and a better life.
Water Changes Everything
Investing in water is a wise choice. It helps prevent diseases, boosts family income, ensures girls stay in school and transforms lives for the better.
Contributing to Project Neer is also a clever investment. Our approach offers lasting water or sanitation solutions for families, bringing hope, health, and opportunities instead of just a quick fix.
The Challenge
India, the second most populous country globally, grapples with economic challenges as over 52% of its population, around 700 million people, faces poverty despite continuous efforts. Waterborne diseases play a significant role in economic struggles, costing approximately USD 800 million annually, particularly affecting regions susceptible to droughts and floods.
Current statistics indicate that two-thirds of India’s 718 districts experience severe water shortages. The extensive drilling of groundwater makes India the leading global user, with over 30 million points supplying groundwater, meeting 85% of drinking water needs in rural areas and 48% in cities (Source: WHO 2024). This excessive use poses a significant threat to India’s future, impacting ecosystems and worsening water-related challenges.
Access to safe and clean water is a fundamental human right, essential for health, poverty reduction, food security, peace, human rights, ecosystems, and education. Our mission is to ensure that families in rural India have proper access to clean water. When households lack a safe water source, it falls on women and children to fetch water, often resulting in children missing school. In drought-affected states, there’s been a reported 22% increase in students dropping out of school.
Nearly 54% of rural women, and even teenage girls, spend about 35 minutes daily fetching water, leading to the loss of 27 days’ worth of wages in a year (Source: UNICEF 2023). Despite India achieving 93% coverage of improved water supply in rural areas in 2015, the shift to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) shows that less than 49% of the rural population has access to safely managed drinking water (Source: World Bank 2023).
The Solution
Did you know that, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, Indigenous peoples and local communities manage, own, or occupy around 25% of the world’s land area? In those places, nature is thought to be degrading at a slower rate amid climate change.
Our approach centers on empowering local communities to be stewards of their water sources. By tapping into indigenous knowledge, we work collaboratively with communities to implement sustainable water management practices. This involves integrating traditional water harvesting techniques, such as rainwater harvesting and watershed management, into modern frameworks.
Indigenous wisdom often emphasizes a holistic approach to water conservation, acknowledging the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Through our initiatives, we strive to integrate traditional practices that promote soil conservation, afforestation, and the protection of water catchment areas. This comprehensive strategy ensures not only an immediate increase in water accessibility but also the preservation of water sources for future generations.
Our commitment extends to leveraging technology that aligns with indigenous values. From low-tech solutions like traditional well-digging methods to innovative yet culturally sensitive water purification techniques, we strive to blend modern technology with indigenous knowledge for optimal results.
Finally, we strongly believe that education is a powerful catalyst for change. We collaborate with local communities to facilitate knowledge exchange programs, empowering individuals with the skills needed to implement and sustain water conservation practices.
*Carousel/Slideshow – Image of us fundraising, image of the final johad, image of us interviewing people, image of us digging*
CASE2: The Challenge
The Problem:
Mangar Bani, a beautiful place near Delhi, is struggling with a lack of clean water. People there faced challenges like illegal sand mining, bund construction blocking water flow, and pollution. Our team saw this and wanted to help.
What We Did:
- Understanding the People: We talked to the local community to know their struggles.
- Getting Help: We raised money with the help of Mr. Sudeep Dutt, who cared about water conservation.
- Smart Solution: Instead of regular ideas, we created a ‘johad,’ a rainwater storage place. This not only stored water but became a symbol of hope