Soaking up problems in the Himalayas
Tata Trusts and the Himmotthan Society, are helping villages in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh manage grey water effectively, thereby enhancing community health.
Grey water, the wastewater generated from households, poses significant threats if not managed properly. Stagnant grey water can lead to the proliferation of waterborne diseases, impacting both the surrounding environment and the health of the inhabitants. In rural Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the health and environmental risks posed by grey water have been a persistent challenge.
Aligning for action
Himmotthan Society supported by the Tata Trusts is implementing WaSH programmes in the central Himalayan region. The initiative extends to 320 villages across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Leh. Since August 2021 in partnership with Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the Trusts are aiming to create sustainable solutions for water access to rural communities in these areas. Grey water management has become a critical issue, and steps to address it are being undertaken within the WaSH programme.
The empowerment toolkit
The cornerstone of this initiative lies in empowering the communities. Himmotthan has employed innovative outreach methods to raise awareness about the importance of grey water management. Through vibrant wall paintings, participatory activities using the SARAR tool kit, village rallies, engagement with school children and transact walks, the message is clear and engaging. Demonstration sessions on waste management, clean toilets, composting, and plastic segregation further solidify the understanding and importance of these practices among the villagers.
A hand up
A key solution promoted by the initiative is the construction of simple soak pits which provide an effective means to manage grey water at household level. Himmotthan Society has facilitated these by providing technical expertise and designs for these soak pits to more than 300 villages by engaging with Village Water and Sanitation Committees and provided them training on technical and implementation aspects of greywater management. Villages are encouraged to build these soak pits using their own resources, which help filter and safely disperse grey water into the ground, reducing environmental and health hazards. The success of this programme hinges on active community acceptance and participation. Villagers have shown remarkable initiative and ownership by contributing through labour, materials, and support to construct soak pits. This collaborative effort ensures that the solutions are not only implemented but are sustainable and embraced by the communities. The ongoing motivation and support ensure that more villages are inspired to adopt these practices, using their own resources and government schemes like MNREGA to further the cause.
Monika Devi from Jaldiyal village in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, shared her experience. “The soak pits have stopped diseases by keeping dirty water away, and now everyone in our village has clean water at home."
The ripple effect
To date, 760 soak pits have been constructed across 21 villages in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. This achievement underscores the dedication of the villagers and the effectiveness of the programme supported by Himmotthan Society and the Tata Trusts. Beyond these numbers, the initiative has fostered a sense of responsibility and empowerment among the villagers, who now take pride in maintaining cleaner and healthier surroundings. Further, the Himotthan Society has also partnered with state government’s Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) to educate and encourage Gram Panchayat representatives for universal coverage, for effective greywater management.
