Tuhina Chatterjee

In the village of Khas Sankdaha, West Bengal, Tuhina witnessed the severe challenges faced by the community due to open defecation and a lack of access to clean drinking water. Recognizing the critical need for improvement in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), she launched the Water and Sanitation Project for Rural Eastern India (WSPREI). The project aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which emphasizes ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) objectives to prevent diseases, reduce waterborne illnesses, and promote hygiene practices.

With the support of a Rotary Global Grant and in partnership with the local NGO Naba Diganta, Tuhina facilitated the construction of 48 Water and Sanitation Units in Khas Sankdaha. Each unit was designed to serve three to four households, typically extended family groups, providing them with much-needed access to hygienic sanitation and a reliable water supply.

Key Features of the Project:

1. Comprehensive WASH Facilities:
Each unit includes a household toilet and a water pumping system connected to a 200-liter water reservoir, ensuring access to clean water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.

2. Flood-Resilient Design:
To combat seasonal flooding, the facilities were constructed on elevated platforms, ensuring continued functionality during monsoons.

3. Gravity-Fed Water System:
Reservoirs installed on the roofs provide gravity-fed running water to the latrines, which also feature integrated handwashing facilities, promoting proper hygiene practices.

4. Sustainability:
Households operate the pump once or twice daily to fill their reservoirs, ensuring 24-hour access to running water without wastage.

Alignment with WHO Objectives:

By providing access to clean water and sanitation, the project directly contributes to WHO's objectives of reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea and cholera, and improving public health outcomes through better hygiene practices. The integrated handwashing stations address critical behavioral aspects of hygiene, reducing the risk of disease transmission within households.

Alignment with UN Sustainability Goals:

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation:
The project ensures access to safe water and sanitation, reducing inequalities in resource distribution.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being:
By improving WASH facilities, the project mitigates health risks and enhances the overall well-being of the community.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities:
The flood-resilient design of the facilities ensures sustainability and safety, even during adverse weather conditions.

4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities:
By targeting a marginalized rural community, the project addresses systemic disparities in access to essential resources.

The Water and Sanitation Project for Rural Eastern India (WSPREI) exemplifies how community-focused interventions can transform lives, not only by addressing immediate needs but also by contributing to long-term health, hygiene, and environmental sustainability.