The Swajal Project
Bringing water and sanitation to rural India

For the first time in their history, residents of 26 small villages in the Bundelkhand region of India’s Uttar Pradesh (UP) state are doing something most of us take for granted everyday: with the simple turn of a tap they fill their jugs with fresh, clean water. It is a simple action, but one that makes all the difference in the lives of these people where everyday is a struggle for survival.

Turning the tap is simple, but providing the water is not. At Development Alternatives (DA) we are pleased to be a part of the Swajal Project, a joint effort on the part of the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the World Bank. The aim of the Swajal Project is to provide water supply and sanitation services to the rural areas of UP and to improve local livelihoods through education and training programs.

DA has been working with Swajal since 1996. Our knowledge and experience building checkdams in the Bundelkhand region of UP made us the logical choice for implementing water and sanitation works in the area. So far, our water distribution networks, hand pumps and latrines have affected the lives of over 30,000 people. The project continues until 2002, but you are invited to learn more about what we have accomplished in the region to date.

Something About Swajal
In this section, learn more about the project, DA’s involvement and the results we’ve achieved.

The Story of Punawali
Visit the village of Punawali where Swajal has built a water distribution network and household latrines and see how the project is changing the lives of the residents.

Bundelkhand Region: A primer
The Bundelkhand is a distinct region in Central India with a unique set of geographic and hydrologic conditions. Come see what makes the Bundelkhand so special.