Empowering Communities for Sustainable Water and Sanitation Outcomes
In the rapidly growing city of Hyderabad, home to over 10 million people, the stark divide between the affluent and the urban poor is increasingly visible. While many residents enjoy reliable water connections and modern sanitation facilities, the city’s slum dwellers continue to face dire challenges in accessing even the most basic water and sanitation services.
Recognizing the urgent need to address this inequality, community-based organizations (CBOs) in Hyderabad’s slums have emerged as critical players in the quest for equitable and sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. These grassroots groups, often led by women, are bridging the gap between marginalized communities and local authorities, amplifying the voices of the poor and driving transformative change.
Fostering Inclusive Community Engagement
Effective community engagement is at the heart of sustainable WASH solutions. In Hyderabad’s slums, CBOs have been instrumental in facilitating meaningful dialogues between residents and local government agencies. By organizing community meetings, conducting needs assessments, and advocating for the rights of the urban poor, these organizations ensure that the unique challenges and priorities of slum dwellers are heard and addressed.
“Our CBO has become a trusted bridge between the community and the municipal authorities,” explains Radhika, a community leader in the Banjara Hills slum. “We work closely with residents to understand their water and sanitation needs, and then collaborate with the local water utility to develop tailored solutions.”
This inclusive approach has led to tangible improvements in service delivery. In the Ramanthapur slum, for instance, the local CBO worked with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) to establish a decentralized water treatment system, ensuring that all households have access to safe, affordable drinking water.
Driving Community-Led Initiatives
Beyond facilitating dialogue, CBOs in Hyderabad’s slums are actively leading community-driven WASH initiatives that empower residents and foster a sense of ownership.
In the Begumpet slum, the local CBO has mobilized community members to construct and maintain public toilets, addressing the longstanding issue of open defecation. “We realized that the municipal authorities alone couldn’t solve this problem,” says Lakshmi, the CBO’s president. “So we organized women’s groups to take charge of the project, from design to implementation to ongoing management.”
The success of this community-led approach has inspired neighboring slums to replicate the model, creating a ripple effect of improved sanitation and enhanced civic engagement.
Similarly, in the Karwan slum, the local CBO has spearheaded the installation of community-managed water kiosks, providing affordable, high-quality drinking water to residents. “By involving the community in the entire process, from site selection to tariff-setting, we’ve ensured a sense of ownership and accountability,” explains Aamir, the CBO’s treasurer.
These community-led initiatives not only improve access to WASH services but also empower residents to take an active role in the development of their neighborhoods. As Aamir notes, “When people have a stake in the solution, they’re more likely to protect and maintain it in the long run.”
Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Accountability
In addition to their direct service delivery efforts, CBOs in Hyderabad’s slums are also working to strengthen the institutional capacity and accountability of local WASH authorities.
“We’ve realized that sustainable change requires not just community engagement, but also a responsive and well-equipped local government,” says Radhika. “That’s why we’ve been actively collaborating with the HMWSSB to build their technical and managerial capabilities.”
Through training programs and knowledge-sharing workshops, CBOs are equipping HMWSSB staff with the skills and tools needed to effectively plan, implement, and maintain WASH infrastructure in slum communities. This capacity-building approach has led to improved service quality, reduced response times, and enhanced transparency in the agency’s operations.
Moreover, CBOs are leveraging their community connections to hold local authorities accountable. By facilitating regular feedback sessions, monitoring service delivery, and escalating grievances, these organizations ensure that the needs of the urban poor remain a priority.
“Our CBO acts as a watchdog, ensuring that the municipal government fulfills its responsibilities to the community,” explains Lakshmi. “We’re not afraid to raise our voices and demand better services when necessary.”
Scaling Up Impact through Partnerships
While CBOs in Hyderabad’s slums have achieved remarkable successes, they recognize the importance of strategic partnerships in amplifying their impact. By collaborating with civil society organizations, academic institutions, and international development agencies, these grassroots groups are accessing additional resources, expertise, and networks to further strengthen WASH governance and service delivery.
One such partnership is the Joint Action for Water (JAW) initiative, which brings together CBOs, local authorities, and global experts to co-create innovative WASH solutions. Through this platform, Hyderabad’s slum-based CBOs have gained access to cutting-edge technology, capacity-building support, and funding opportunities to scale up their community-led interventions.
“The JAW initiative has been a game-changer for us,” says Aamir. “Not only has it provided us with the resources to expand our reach, but it has also connected us with like-minded groups across the city and beyond, amplifying our collective voice and influence.”
As Hyderabad continues to grapple with the challenges of rapid urbanization, the role of community-based organizations in shaping inclusive and sustainable WASH outcomes has never been more crucial. By empowering slum residents, strengthening institutional capacity, and forging strategic partnerships, these grassroots groups are paving the way for a more equitable and resilient water future for all.
Driving Systemic Change through Community-led Advocacy
Recognizing the need for systemic change, CBOs in Hyderabad’s slums are increasingly engaging in evidence-based advocacy to influence water and sanitation policies at the local and state levels.
“Our community-led data collection and monitoring efforts have enabled us to pinpoint the root causes of WASH disparities,” explains Radhika. “Armed with this knowledge, we’re working closely with policymakers to co-create inclusive and responsive policies that address the unique needs of urban slum dwellers.”
One such initiative is the Slum WASH Governance Scorecards, a collaborative project between CBOs, academia, and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA). By developing a comprehensive framework to assess the performance of local WASH authorities, this tool empowers communities to hold their leaders accountable and advocate for improved service delivery.
“The Slum WASH Governance Scorecards have been a powerful catalyst for change,” says Lakshmi. “Not only have they helped us identify key areas for improvement, but they’ve also given us a seat at the table with decision-makers, ensuring that our voices are heard and our needs are prioritized.”
Similarly, CBOs have been instrumental in shaping the state of Telangana’s Urban Water Policy, advocating for the inclusion of dedicated provisions for slum communities. By leveraging their on-the-ground expertise and community connections, these grassroots groups have ensured that the policy addresses critical issues such as water quality, affordability, and the specific challenges faced by women and marginalized groups.
“Our participation in the policy-making process has been a testament to the transformative power of community-led advocacy,” Aamir reflects. “It’s a clear demonstration that when marginalized communities are empowered to shape the decisions that affect their lives, real and lasting change can occur.”
As Hyderabad’s slum-based CBOs continue to evolve and strengthen their advocacy efforts, they are poised to drive systemic reforms that truly prioritize the water and sanitation needs of the urban poor. By bridging the gap between communities and policymakers, these grassroots organizations are not only improving service delivery but also reshaping the very fabric of urban governance.
Conclusion: Towards a Water-Secure Future for All
The powerful role of community-based organizations in Hyderabad’s slums serves as a compelling example of how grassroots initiatives can catalyze sustainable and equitable WASH outcomes. By empowering marginalized communities, strengthening institutional capacity, and forging strategic partnerships, these CBOs are paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient water future.
As Hyderabad and other rapidly growing cities in India grapple with the complex challenges of urbanization, the lessons learned from Hyderabad’s slum-based CBOs offer valuable insights for replication and scale-up. By elevating the voices of the urban poor, fostering community-led solutions, and driving systemic change, these organizations demonstrate that sustainable WASH services are not only possible but essential for achieving equitable and prosperous cities.
The Joint Action for Water (JAW) initiative stands ready to support the continued growth and impact of community-based organizations in Hyderabad and beyond. By facilitating knowledge-sharing, providing technical assistance, and mobilizing resources, JAW is committed to amplifying the transformative power of grassroots WASH champions and realizing the vision of water security for all.
