Digambarpur, a village in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, is setting new benchmarks in rural sanitation and water management through the introduction of a faecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP) and a piped water supply system. These initiatives provide improved sanitation and cleaner drinking water to over 20,000 residents.
The project, actively supported by the West Bengal government, local panchayat, and the international NGO Water for People, aims to create a sustainable and climate-resilient water management infrastructure, especially crucial for this flood-prone region.
Gram Panchayat Pradhan Rabindranath Bera explained, "Our teams collect waste directly from households, and the treatment plant processes it into valuable resources. This has significantly reduced open defecation and waste dumping, promoting a healthier, cleaner environment."
The plant, commissioned under expert guidance from Jadavpur University, has the daily capacity to produce 6-10 quintals of high-quality vermicompost fertiliser, according to project expert Samrat Gupta. Households pay a fee of ₹1,000 for their initial septic tank cleaning, reduced to ₹500 for subsequent visits.
Local farmer Amalesh Samanta generously donated land to support a water tank setup under the Jalbandhu project. Samanta, who now operates the pump system, emphasized, "When approached, I immediately agreed, and it also provided me employment."
The piped water supply has drastically improved community health, as explained by 80-year-old resident Basanta Bera: "This initiative significantly reduced diseases in our family. We now enjoy easy access to clean water right at home, without contamination." His wife Malati highlighted additional benefits, noting, "We no longer need to bathe openly or walk long distances for water."
Additionally, employment opportunities have arisen from these initiatives. An ITI diploma holder manages system maintenance, while two local residents, including the land donor, work as operators. Solar energy also plays a role, with 30 solar panels partially powering the piped water system and supplying excess energy back to the grid.
Water for People currently operates extensively across five blocks—Patharpratima, Gosaba, Namkhana, Kakdwip, and Sagar—with a strong focus on sanitation, water access, and sustainable water resource management.
The project, actively supported by the West Bengal government, local panchayat, and the international NGO Water for People, aims to create a sustainable and climate-resilient water management infrastructure, especially crucial for this flood-prone region.
Innovative Faecal Sludge Management
The new faecal sludge treatment plant, operational since November last year, ensures safe management of waste at both household and public institution levels. Managed by the Digambarpur Gram Panchayat, the facility converts solid waste into organic vermicomposting fertiliser, while treating liquid waste for agricultural use.Gram Panchayat Pradhan Rabindranath Bera explained, "Our teams collect waste directly from households, and the treatment plant processes it into valuable resources. This has significantly reduced open defecation and waste dumping, promoting a healthier, cleaner environment."
The plant, commissioned under expert guidance from Jadavpur University, has the daily capacity to produce 6-10 quintals of high-quality vermicompost fertiliser, according to project expert Samrat Gupta. Households pay a fee of ₹1,000 for their initial septic tank cleaning, reduced to ₹500 for subsequent visits.
Sustainable Waste Management Facilities
Beyond sanitation, Digambarpur also manages plastic and organic vegetable waste. The plastic waste facility aids local road construction and maintenance by converting waste into material for bituminous roads. Simultaneously, vegetable waste is transformed into compost through vermicomposting, benefiting local agriculture.Clean Water at Doorsteps
Earlier water management efforts in 2007 introduced hand pumps to replace contaminated pond water. However, accessibility challenges, especially for women, prompted a shift to a comprehensive piped water system in 2016. This system now benefits 443 households, significantly improving their quality of life.Local farmer Amalesh Samanta generously donated land to support a water tank setup under the Jalbandhu project. Samanta, who now operates the pump system, emphasized, "When approached, I immediately agreed, and it also provided me employment."
The piped water supply has drastically improved community health, as explained by 80-year-old resident Basanta Bera: "This initiative significantly reduced diseases in our family. We now enjoy easy access to clean water right at home, without contamination." His wife Malati highlighted additional benefits, noting, "We no longer need to bathe openly or walk long distances for water."
Empowering Locals and Creating Jobs
Central to the success of these initiatives is community involvement. Panchayat head Rabindranath Bera stated, "We see locals not as mere beneficiaries but as key stakeholders. Their active participation ensures sustainability and upkeep of the projects."Additionally, employment opportunities have arisen from these initiatives. An ITI diploma holder manages system maintenance, while two local residents, including the land donor, work as operators. Solar energy also plays a role, with 30 solar panels partially powering the piped water system and supplying excess energy back to the grid.
Strengthening Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Mark Duey, CEO of Water for People, recently visited the village, highlighting the project's alignment with national initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission. Duey said, "Our technical support units collaborate closely with district governments to enhance community engagement, program management, and capacity-building among local officials. Digambarpur exemplifies how integrated water and sanitation projects can significantly transform communities."Water for People currently operates extensively across five blocks—Patharpratima, Gosaba, Namkhana, Kakdwip, and Sagar—with a strong focus on sanitation, water access, and sustainable water resource management.
