Project Summary

The project worked predominantly in areas occupied by the Koli tribals. They live in scattered hamlets that are cut off from the main revenue village and lack access to basic infrastructure facilities. There is a high degree of distress migration from these hamlets. People did not have access to drinking water sources, especially in summer months and during droughts and were forced to dig a hole in the river bed called ‘veerda’ and wait for it to fill up with water.

This project sought to make a beginning in tackling this by reducing the levels of salinity in water. Through this project, construction and revival of water harvesting systems, provision of water testing facilities and reduction in salinity were ensured. Water sources for drinking and bathing and livestock were also separated and basic hygiene practices were improved. This helped improve the quality of life of the people and helped reduce distress migration.