SAFP-DRINKING WATER PROJECT 2025-26
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
