In the flood-prone village of Dangapara under Block Purabshali 1, West Bengal , over 350 families have long struggled with the devastating effects of recurrent floods. The community faced persistent challenges related to health, access to safe drinking water, and sanitation. With each flood, their sanitation infrastructure would collapse, leading to increased health risks and a lack of safe spaces for personal hygiene. However, a transformative initiative under the Smart Water Climate Resilience Campaign, led by NABSAMRUDDHI Finance Limited and supported by Trust of People and Gramin Shakti Microfinance Services Pvt. Ltd., has paved the way for a sustainable and resilient sanitation solution.
Dangapara’s residents have faced extreme hardships due to their geographical vulnerability. Seasonal flooding would wash away their rudimentary latrines, contaminating their water sources and increasing the spread of waterborne diseases. The lack of proper sanitation facilities often forced residents, especially women and children, to resort to open defecation, further exacerbating health concerns.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Smart Water Climate Resilience Campaign, launched on World Water Day (March 22, 2024), set out to address these pressing issues. With a focus on flood-prone areas, the campaign aimed to promote climate-resilient sanitation models that could withstand extreme weather conditions.
The turning point for Dangapara came when a specialized workshop on flood-resilient sanitation systems was conducted as part of the campaign. The workshop introduced local masons and community members to the Shankar Balram Model and Twin Leach Pit Septic Tank—a system specifically designed to withstand flooding and provide long-term sanitation solutions.
The training sessions, held in Kankulia Sahajpur, East Bardhaman, equipped 119 masons with the technical know-how to construct these flood-resistant toilets. Inspired by the workshop, the residents of Dangapara decided to take matters into their own hands. With the technical guidance of Trust of People and Gramin Shakti Microfinance Services, they initiated the construction of community toilets using the Shankar Balram Model. A group of 20 skilled masons was mobilized to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
The construction of the community toilets began on January 25, 2025, with each unit costing approximately ₹51,450. The initiative not only provided the village with much-needed sanitation infrastructure but also generated employment opportunities for local masons. By engaging the community directly in the construction process, the project fostered a sense of ownership and sustainability among residents.
The innovative Shankar Balram Model toilets are designed to endure high water levels and prevent contamination of surrounding water sources. Their sturdy structure and effective waste management system ensure that sanitation services remain functional even in the face of natural disasters.
The initiative has been a game-changer for the people of Dangapara. With the construction of these community toilets, residents now have access to a safe and hygienic sanitation facility, significantly reducing health risks associated with open defecation and contaminated water. Women and children, who were previously most vulnerable, now have a secure and dignified space for sanitation.
Beyond Dangapara, the success of this initiative has set a precedent for other flood-affected regions. The Smart Water Climate Resilience Campaign has demonstrated that climate-resilient sanitation is not just a necessity but a possibility, even in the most challenging environments.
Recognizing the broader need for climate-adaptive sanitation solutions, NABSAMRUDDHI Finance Limited has launched the Climate Smart WASH Fund. This fund aims to support climate-resilient sanitation systems, rainwater harvesting, and solar energy solutions across India. Leveraging its network of microfinance partners, NABSAMRUDDHI has facilitated access to these solutions for vulnerable communities in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Odisha.
The campaign has also promoted household-level rainwater harvesting solutions and solar pumps for water needs, ensuring sustainable water access in both flood-prone and water-scarce areas. To further strengthen awareness and mobilization, 40 awareness camps were conducted across the country, reaching over 4,000 people.
The story of Dangapara stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the impact of climate-smart solutions in addressing sanitation challenges. Through strategic partnerships, capacity building, and innovative financing, the residents of this flood-affected village have not only improved their immediate living conditions but have also laid the foundation for a more resilient future.
As climate change continues to pose challenges to sanitation infrastructure, initiatives like the Smart Water Climate Resilience Campaign and the Climate Smart WASH Fund serve as crucial interventions in ensuring safe, sustainable, and dignified sanitation for all.