India is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world and the impact of climate change — including rising temperatures, drought and sea level rise — is further threatening water security.  

Rural communities are particularly vulnerable as the majority depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Lakes, ponds, wells and bavkhals — traditional sources of fresh water — are shrinking or in a state of neglect, causing uncertainty when it comes to having enough safe water for a healthy and productive life.  

Tucked in the Konkan region of the Indian state of Maharashtra, the Palghar district is home to tribal and fishing communities that often lack access to basic services, such as water, sanitation and health care. There, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) is working with villagers to help improve their year-round access to safe drinking water: investing in watershed structures that harvest rainwater and recharge groundwater levels, repairing existing water sources and creating new ones that are more environmentally friendly.

For over 40 years, the Aga Khan Development Network has been working to address the challenges of water and sanitation in India and has facilitated access to improved sanitation and hygiene for thousands of people in six states. Globally, we are providing over two million people with safe drinking water and sanitation services. On World Water Day 2023, meet some of the people who talk about the changes.

A source of distress

Without reliable sources nearby, women must trek long distances under the summer sun to fetch drinking water for their families, carrying back a weight of up to 30 litres.

Cutting the distance

In Devlipada, a tribal village situated in the Palghar district, Usha and the other women used to spend all their mornings and early afternoons fetching water. Now, with wells nearby, the task is made easier and safer: without fear of encountering wild animals along the way.

A community water system

India is one of the world’s largest users of groundwater and without better management, this resource is becoming quickly depleted. Underground bunds help reduce surface water runoff, recharge groundwater sources and reduce soil erosion.  

Gaining time

Usha draws water from a well near her house, to water her kitchen garden. The well provides reliable year-round water for domestic use. With the time she saves fetching water every day, she can pursue other interests, spend time with her children and work on her farms to increase her family’s income. 

Budgeting & monitoring

AKAH’s technical team documents the characteristics of existing dug wells, records water-table readings and monitors water quality to prepare a budget for the year to address the needs of the community. 

Green energy

Across India, farmers and rural families are dependent on groundwater pumps to supply water during the dry season. Often, they rely on costly and polluting diesel-powered pumps. Ganesh and Govind are operating a solar-powered pump whose pipelines provide water to over 50 families.  

20 rupees for our well-being

Good habits

Handwashing stations are helping children develop better hygiene. 

Dignity & opportunity

Solidarity

Sandhya and Ashlesha share the load to fill up a bucket of water from a handpump tap installed in their school yard.  

Water for all

A common handpump with recharging pit and cow trough near the settlements, often bustling with activity. 

The primary occupation of the Gowli tribe is livestock farming. With rivers drying up, a cattle trough helps animals have easier access to water. 

Chintaman has been a small-scale farmer for the past 25 years. He used to migrate to cities and work odd jobs to support his family during the dry seasons. Since participating in training sessions, he has been able to grow a variety of vegetables and fruits in his kitchen garden with low water consumption, which helps him feed his family and earn extra income.