Nizampally: More Than a Decade of Operation & Still Going
Nizampally is a rural farming community of several thousand people in central India’s state of Telangana. Before the Safe Water Network iJal station opened, people here struggled to find affordable, safe water. The local water sources were contaminated, causing serious disease for many in the community. The iJal station was well received when it opened in 2010, and over time the health benefits of iJal water became more evident to the village.
“We spent a lot of time educating families about the benefit of consuming safe water,” says Shantha, a nurse based in the village.”
According to Bapu Reddy, Station Development Committee member. “Day by day the numbers of consumers at the station has increased.”
In April of 2020, at the start of the pandemic, the Nizampally community safely gathered to mark the ten-year anniversary of their iJal station, the longest running community-based safe water station supported by Safe Water Network. The station was decorated for the occasion with a beautiful rangoli (a colored sand decoration) at the entrance and commemorative posters.
Safe Water Network India’s Head of Operations, Shanker Batra, said at the event, “Nizampally has served as a template for more than 270 stations launched in Telangana since. The station’s longevity is a testament to this village’s capability to oversee operations, as well as the community’s understanding of the importance of affordable, safe water access to health and livelihoods.”
The iJal stations in this area grew out of a partnership between Safe Water Network, MARI (Modern Architects for Rural India), and various communities across Telangana. Based in India, MARI is a well-respected NGO focused on empowering communities.
Vedantha, Director of MARI, responsible for overseeing the partnership with Safe Water Network said, “This success could only have happened as a result of everyone’s discipline and dedication.”
“The station is a lighthouse for the region, local leaders from neighboring communities often come to Nizampally for a tour of the station.”
– A Nizampally Community Leader