Atop the hills within the Jurabandh Gram Panchayat, in Balangir District, is Talachkel village, home to 140 families. For years, residents relied on seven tube wells for their drinking water, but only three remained functional, with the rest contaminated by iron or depleted groundwater levels.

In 2022, Gram Vikas partnered with HDFC Bank Parivartan to implement the Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP) in 20 villages across six blocks in Balangir district. The project aims to reach 18,000 individuals in 4,660 households, spanning natural resource management, skill development, livelihood enhancement, education, health, and sanitation.

In 2023, as part of the project’s intervention in health and sanitation in Talackel village, a pre-monsoon water testing survey by the Gram Vikas Water Quality Management (WQM) team revealed alarming nitrate levels ranging from 45-100 mg/litre, iron content between 1.0-3.0 mg/litre alongside harmful bacteria. This contamination posed a grave risk to the health and well-being of the community causing kidney ailments, fever, and severe skin issues.

Sibashankar Sandh, a 62-year-old farmer, recalls how his ancestors relied on river water without health issues. “Since the tube wells were installed, many of us, including myself, developed kidney problems and other ailments. We didn’t realise that water was the cause,” he said. “If we had known, we would never have used the tube well water.” He goes on to add that there are more than ten residents in the village who have developed kidney ailments in the last two years.

Water Quality Management (WQM) involves testing water samples with Field Testing Kits (FTKs), uploading results to the mWater app, sharing findings with the community, and addressing issues with the Village Development Committee (VDC). The mWater app is a free data management platform that allows users to collect, analyse, and share water, sanitation and hygiene data.

The WQM team tested water from the tube wells and dug wells for nitrate, and bacteria contamination. The data collected from the first test result in May 2023 indicated bacteria and nitrate contamination in the two water sources – tubewells used by the residents for cooking and drinking purposes. The tests were conducted in front of the VDC members and SHG, and shared with the residents during a village meeting. The results revealed alarming nitrate levels ranging from 45-100 mg/litre, iron content between 1.0-3.0 mg/litre alongside harmful bacteria.

In 2023, a rigorous six-month testing of the village’s water sources.

Prompted by the test results, Gram Vikas took swift action. On June 21, 2023, they installed two nitrate removal treatment devices at the Niman Bagh and Harijan Pada tube wells. A day later, further testing showed nitrate levels dropping from 45-100 mg/litre to 0.0 mg/litre, and iron content reducing to 0.5 mg/litre. The water was now free from harmful bacteria and nitrates, making it safe to drink.

Just a day after installation, on June 22, 2023, the water underwent another rigorous testing. The results showed nitrate levels plummeted from 45-100 mg/litre to 0.0 mg/litre, while iron content dropped to a mere 0.5 mg/litre. The water was free from the grip of harmful bacteria and nitrates, and it was safe to drink.

Abhinandan Sandh, the village’s 28-year-old Gram Vikas trained WQM cadre, highlighted the significance of this initiative. “We have struggled with contaminated water for years without a solution. The Nitrate Removal Treatment System marked a turning point, ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water and eliminating the fear of waterborne diseases.”

The significance of this change resonated deeply with the residents. Anadi Chhatriya, 38, the secretary of the Talachkel Village Development Committee (VDC), reflected on the impact of this initiative, ” We have been unknowingly consuming contaminated water, ignorant of its detrimental effects on health. With nitrate removal treatment devices, clean drinking water became a reality, ushering in an era of good health and well-being for residents.”

Gauri Jued, a 34-year-old resident, shared her experience. “The water used to taste and smell bad, with a muddy residue. After installing the nitrate removal device, everyone in the village uses the water for drinking. It tastes good now.”

As the sun set over Talachkel, a renewed sense of hope filled the air, rejuvenating the village’s spirit and paving the way for a healthier future.