About Organisation
Water For People India initiated its operations in West Bengal in 1996 in Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts. Consistent with the global vision and mission, we exist to promote the development of safe drinking water and sanitation services, accessible to all, and sustained by strong communities, businesses, and governments. Our organizational values are Accountability, Courage, Empowerment, Partnership and Transparency.
Water For People India programs have been implemented in 28 districts in West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Odisha. In all, nearly 1.2 million people have been reached through community drinking water and sanitation, WASH in public institutions and market-led approaches to sanitation.
By 2023, Water For People India programs aim to directly benefit 2.7 million people. We aim to build capacities at the district level which will contribute to organizational commitments, thereby indirectly benefiting 14.8 million people. Water For People India implements programs directly and also through locally registered non-government organizations
In India, water scarcity and quality issues pose serious challenges to human development and ecosystem preservation. Despite having a sizable population, India has only 2% of the world's landmass and 4% of its freshwater resources. Freshwater accessibility per capita has declined dramatically over the years, reaching a critical level. This trend necessitates immediate action to ensure water security.
The Sundarbans and Birbhum region, in particular, require immediate attention to replenish depleted aquifers. Rising water levels and embankment breaches in the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove delta, make communities vulnerable to extreme events such as super cyclones and tidal surges.
Flooded homes, saline water intrusion, destroyed livelihoods, and scarce water, sanitation, and health facilities are among the consequences. Meanwhile, despite receiving significant annual rainfall, Birbhum, located in a semi-arid region, struggles with water scarcity. Significant shortages occur in the area, particularly during the dry months, affecting both domestic and agricultural usage.
Water quality is also an issue, with geogenic contaminants like arsenic and fluoride found in some Sundarbans and Birbhum blocks
