Handpumps and soak pits to support improved hygiene and health outcomes

Simple and sustainable solutions to support better hygiene and health outcomes for tribal villagers in Odisha.

A sustainable model for water infrastructure maintenance

Reliable access to safe drinking water depends on the functionality of village handpumps, as they are the primary source of water for most households in Daspalla. However, many pumps had become non-functional due to lack of regular maintenance, leading families to walk longer distances or rely on unsafe water sources. Since June 2025, the project has identified 14 defective handpumps across the target villages and undertook a systematic repair process.

Repairs were carried out in collaboration with trained village mechanics and with technical support from the Rural Water Supply & Sanitation (RWSS) department. This approach not only restored water access but also built local technical capacity to handle future breakdowns without waiting for external assistance. Nearly 450 households benefited directly, reducing their daily burden of fetching water and improving health outcomes.

Equally important was the establishment of a simple maintenance fund system initiated by the VWSCs. Households agreed to make small contributions, which are pooled into a local fund for minor repairs and upkeep. This system has been welcomed by villagers, as it ensures that pumps remain functional without long delays.

Community feedback indicates that women in particular have benefitted, as they no longer need to travel long distances to collect water. Children also have more time for school and recreation. The repair initiative has therefore improved not just water access but also quality of life.

By combining technical repair, community contribution, and institutional oversight through VWSCs, the project has created a sustainable model for water infrastructure maintenance in Daspalla villages.

Constructing soak pits to reduce dengue and malaria in village communities

Since June 2025, the project has also focused on constructing soak pits near high-use handpumps in two villages. Soak pits are simple underground structures designed to collect wastewater and allow it to percolate into the ground, preventing waterlogging and reducing mosquito and vector breeding, which are common near stagnant water sources. The construction process actively involved local villagers, with 35 community members contributing labor. This approach not only reduced project costs but also fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among the community.

The placement of the soak pits was strategically planned near high-usage handpumps where water often spilled onto surrounding areas during drawing and cleaning activities. By managing water overflow, the soak pits reduced standing water, which is crucial for minimizing vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. The technical guidance for construction was provided by trained field staff, who ensured that the pits were of appropriate depth, lined with permeable materials, and designed to handle peak water discharge.

Community engagement played a central role in the initiative. Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) actively monitored the use and maintenance of the soak pits, while local youth learned the technical skills needed to replicate the structures. The initiative also served as a practical demonstration for other villages, inspiring wider adoption. The construction of soak pits exemplifies a low-cost, sustainable intervention with long-term benefits, combining improved sanitation, health outcomes, and community capacity building.