2. The peri-urban area of Delwara, Rajasthan has 700 households with nearly 28 castes and religions.

3. All the congestion and density of an urban area; with none of the civic facilities.

4. Sewage and garbage collection were non-existent; and open defecation was the common practice.

5. Yet the rapid build-up left little open space for such activities; putting women especially in a very difficult position.

6. Daily water needs were fulfilled by the local baoli which itself was quite unclean…

7. and it was an arduous task fetching the water from this distance.

8. In light of these issues, mapping activities were done with the community; and a Nagrik Vikas Manch (citizen’s forum) was formed.

9. This included representatives from all Mohallas in the community; as well as PRI members.

10. Actions was taken to clean up the local water body…

11. renovate the traditional baolis & kunds…

12. and build community water tanks.

13. This has eased water access problems considerably!

14. Youth clubs, women’s clubs and ASHA workers were all involved in awareness raising activities on general hygiene.

15. The critical need for and basic usage of toilets was a main topic of discussion.

16. Responsibility and initiative for the construction of 89 toilets in the area was taken by members of the community.

17. The material and technical expertise was provided by Seva Mandir

18. but many households extended or modified according to their needs.

19. A community septic tank accompanied the group of toilets in Meghwal Mohalla; where the hilly terrain and limited land made individual tanks unfeasible.

20. In the hilltop mohalla of Bhil Bhasti, a Decentralised Wastewater Treatment System (DEWATS) was built. This uses flows based on gravity and does not require any electric or mechanical source of power.

21. The system treats water through three main processes: collection and settling of slurry; anaerobic baffled reactor; and gravel and plant filters.

22. The only main maintenance required is when the settler gets filled with slurry; which is meant to happen only after 10-12 years of usage.

23. The water coming out of the plant can be used for irrigation purposes.

24. The Nagrik Vikas Manch has also established a new formal cleaning system

25. with the appointment of ‘Arogya Mitra’: daily village cleaners.

26. This has helped regularise these cleaners’ income; integrate them better into the community; and instill a value for the critical work they do.

27. The system has been made sustainable with contributions from each family every month for drinking water, sanitation and solid waste management.

28. With the ‘manch’ providing a platform to discuss issues and find local solutions; this self-governance can be taken further for an even cleaner and more sanitary Delwara!

29. Produced for: Plan India Produced by: Safer World Communications, www.saferworld.in Photographs: Sarika Gulati and Meghna Chawla