SAFP-DRINKING WATER PROJECT 2025-26 PHASE 1
Nilgiris Development Society (NDS), in collaboration with Save A Family Plan (SAFP), successfully implemented the Drinking Water Project 2025–2026 in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. The project was initiated with the aim of improving access to safe and clean drinking water among vulnerable rural families and promoting awareness on health, hygiene, and environmental protection.
Unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation practices continue to be major challenges in many rural and tribal areas of the Nilgiris, leading to frequent waterborne diseases and health-related issues. Through this project, NDS and SAFP worked together to address these concerns by distributing non-electric water purifiers and conducting awareness programmes on safe water usage, hygiene practices, and water source protection.
Project Activities
The project team conducted field visits and consultations with local community leaders and village representatives to identify deserving beneficiary families. Priority was given to economically poor households, tribal families, elderly persons, women-headed families, and households lacking access to safe drinking water facilities.
A detailed beneficiary verification process was carried out to ensure transparency and inclusion of the most vulnerable sections of the community. After the beneficiary selection 500 eligible families’ details were uploaded to SAFP office and got approval from the office for the 500 beneficiaries.
Purchase of Non-Electric Water Purifiers
Based on the approved project plan, 500 numbers of Aqua Guard Amrit 6000 non-electric water purifiers were purchased from Uteck System, Kuttipuram, Malappuram. The selected purifiers were user-friendly, suitable for rural households, and capable of providing safe drinking water without electricity.
Awareness Programme on Health & Hygiene Practices and Importance of Safe & Clean Water
Awareness programmes were organized in Ovalley, Devarshola, Srimadurai, Kayyunni, Erumad, Gudalur and Nelliyalam villages to educate the beneficiaries on:
- Importance of safe and clean drinking water
- Prevention of waterborne diseases
- Personal hygiene practices
- Environmental cleanliness
- Protection and recharge of water sources
- Safe storage and handling of drinking water
The sessions were interactive and included demonstrations, discussions, and community participation
Distribution of Purifiers and Training on Usage
The non-electric water purifiers were distributed to the 500 selected beneficiary families during community distribution programmes. Beneficiaries were provided with practical training on:
- Installation and usage of the purifier
- Cleaning and maintenance procedures
- Safe water storage practices
- Regular hygiene measures
Setting up of Water Purifier at Beneficiary House
The SAFP Field Coordinator played an important role in the successful implementation of the Drinking Water Project by providing direct assistance to beneficiaries during the installation of non-electric water purifiers and taking the photos at their homes. The coordinator visited the beneficiary households, helped in setting up the purifiers properly, and provided practical guidance on their safe usage, cleaning, and maintenance. The coordinator also clarified the doubts of the beneficiaries and ensured that each family understood the importance of using purified water for better health and hygiene. This support greatly contributed to the effective utilization of the water purifiers and the overall success of the project
SAFP-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Save A Family Plan (SAFP) Family Development Programme (FDP) is a community-based development initiative aimed at improving the quality of life of economically disadvantaged and marginalized families. The programme supports selected families in achieving self-reliance and sustainable development through financial assistance, education, health awareness, livelihood promotion, and capacity-building activities. It encourages families to actively participate in their own development, strengthen their social and economic well-being, and build a better future for their children. Through regular monitoring, guidance, and collaboration with Nilgiris Development Society (NDS), the programme promotes dignity, empowerment, and long-term positive changes in the lives of vulnerable families.
Family Selection Process
Nilgiris Development Society (NDS) conducted a comprehensive situational analysis in the proposed operational areas to identify eligible and vulnerable families for the SAFP Family Development Programme. Based on the findings, NDS carried out a systematic beneficiary selection process using a standardized application format to assess each family’s needs and eligibility. Following this detailed assessment, 221 families were selected to participate in the programme and receive support for their family development and overall well-being.
SAFP-FDP New Family Orientation
The Orientation Program serves as a foundational platform for integrating newly selected partner families into the Save A Family Plan- Family Development Program (FDP) and the broader movement. Designed to onboard 221 partner families, the program provided the strategic direction and operational guidance necessary for families to begin their development journey effectively. As new participants in the FDP, partner families need a clear understanding of SAFP’s vision, mission, values, and development philosophy, as well as the roles, responsibilities, opportunities, and expectations associated with program participation. The orientation aimed to build this understanding while fostering a sense of commitment and ownership among the families. The Orientation Training for the newly selected families was conducted on August 18 and 19, 2026 at three sessions across the Pattavayal, Kayyunni, and NDS Hall clusters. Ninety per cent of the families attended the meeting; the majority of the beneficiaries clarified their questions regarding the family development program.