THE INITIATIVE

• Establishment of a water purifying plant

THE BENEFICIARIES

• Villagers of Thikekerwadi, Pune district, Maharashtra

THE CHALLENGE

• High levels of fluoride in drinking water due to overuse of chemical fertilisers
• Recurrent waterborne diseases, especially among women and children
• Loss of daily wages and monthly medical expenses approximating ? 2,500

THE SOLUTION

• NABARD extended a grant of ? 8 lakh and in partnership with Waterlife Foundation helped to set up a self-sustaining RO water purifying plant

THE IMPACT

• Pure water for villagers at ? 5 per 20 litres
• 100 percent attendance in schools
• Household savings of up to ? 2000 a month on medical expenses alone
• Improvement in participation of women in development schemes