Addressing the Intersection of WASH, Livelihoods, and Social Protection in Hyderabad Slum Communities

Addressing the Intersection of WASH, Livelihoods, and Social Protection in Hyderabad Slum Communities

Bridging the Urban Service Divide in Hyderabad’s Informal Settlements

Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana state in India, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. The city’s population has surged from just over 5 million in 1991 to nearly 10 million today, with much of this growth occurring in informal settlements on the urban periphery. This rapid, unplanned urbanization has far outpaced the provision of basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and services, leaving millions of Hyderabad’s residents without reliable access to essential services.

The urban service divide in Hyderabad is stark. While affluent neighborhoods and gated communities enjoy 24/7 piped water and sewerage connections, those living in informal settlements often rely on shared public taps, makeshift pit latrines, and unsafe water sources. This lack of WASH access not only degrades living conditions and public health but also traps residents in a cycle of poverty. Without basic infrastructure, households must devote significant time and resources to securing water and managing waste, limiting their ability to pursue economic opportunities and build resilience.

“My family spends at least two hours each day fetching water from the shared public tap. We have to queue up, sometimes for an hour or more, just to fill our containers. It’s exhausting, and there’s never enough water to meet our needs.” – Saira, resident of Basti Fatehnagar slum, Hyderabad

To address this pressing challenge, community organizations, local authorities, and civil society groups in Hyderabad have pioneered innovative approaches that integrate WASH service delivery with livelihood support and social protection. By adopting a holistic, people-centered strategy, these initiatives are not only improving access to essential services but also empowering marginalized residents, boosting household incomes, and building community resilience.

Strengthening Community-Led WASH Initiatives

One standout example is the work of the Hyderabad-based NGO Sajjata Sangh, which has collaborated with slum dwellers to upgrade WASH infrastructure and services in informal settlements across the city. Through a participatory process, Sajjata Sangh works with residents to identify priority needs, design appropriate solutions, and collectively implement improvements.

In the Basti Fatehnagar slum, for instance, Sajjata Sangh facilitated the construction of a decentralized wastewater treatment system, complete with a network of community toilets and bathing facilities. Not only did this improve sanitation and hygiene for over 5,000 residents, but it also created local employment opportunities, with community members trained to operate and maintain the system.

“Before, our neighborhood was plagued by overflowing sewage and open defecation. The new community toilets have made a huge difference in our lives, improving cleanliness and dignity. And some of the women in our community have even found jobs as caretakers for the facilities.” – Fatima, resident of Basti Fatehnagar slum

Beyond infrastructure, Sajjata Sangh has also empowered slum dwellers to advocate for their WASH rights and hold local authorities accountable. The organization has supported the formation of neighborhood WASH committees, which work closely with the municipal government to monitor service quality, report issues, and ensure equitable water and sanitation provision.

Integrating WASH and Livelihood Support

While improving WASH access is crucial, it is not enough on its own to break the cycle of urban poverty. That’s why innovative initiatives in Hyderabad are integrating WASH interventions with livelihood support and social protection measures.

The Hyderabad-based nonprofit Mahila Housing SEWA Trust (MHT), for example, has pioneered a holistic approach that combines WASH improvements with skills training, financial assistance, and policy advocacy. MHT partners with women-led community organizations to upgrade water and sanitation infrastructure in informal settlements, while also providing residents with access to vocational courses, entrepreneurship support, and microfinance.

“The new community tap stand has saved us so much time and hassle, freeing up hours that we can now invest in our small businesses. And the financial literacy training MHT provided has helped us manage our household budgets and access loans to grow our enterprises.” – Rani, resident of Rajendra Nagar slum and member of the local women’s collective

MHT’s approach recognizes that sustainable WASH access requires addressing the underlying drivers of urban poverty, such as lack of livelihood opportunities and social protection. By bundling infrastructure upgrades with income-generating support and financial inclusion, the organization is empowering slum dwellers to improve their living conditions while also enhancing their economic resilience.

Leveraging Partnerships for Scaled Impact

Recognizing the complexity of the urban service divide, Hyderabad’s local authorities have also forged partnerships to deliver more holistic, impactful WASH interventions. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), for instance, has collaborated with the Telangana state government’s Scheduled Castes Development Department to provide free household water connections and individual toilets in low-income neighborhoods.

This joint effort, known as the “Water for All” program, not only improves WASH access but also extends financial assistance and social security benefits to marginalized communities. Eligible households receive subsidies to cover the cost of water and sanitation infrastructure, as well as access to the state’s social protection schemes, such as disability pensions and widow allowances.

“The Water for All program has been a game-changer for my family. We now have a dedicated water tap and toilet in our home, which has transformed our daily lives. And the additional financial support has helped us weather the economic impacts of the pandemic.” – Seema, resident of Ziaguda slum and beneficiary of the Water for All program

By integrating WASH, livelihoods, and social protection, the Water for All program tackles the urban service divide from multiple angles. This holistic approach not only enhances basic service delivery but also strengthens the overall resilience of slum communities, empowering residents to pursue economic opportunities and withstand shocks.

Scaling Solutions through Policy and Advocacy

While the initiatives in Hyderabad demonstrate the power of community-driven, integrated approaches, scaling these solutions requires supportive policies and sustained advocacy. Civil society organizations in the city have been actively engaged in shaping the policy landscape to better address the needs of informal settlement dwellers.

For instance, the Hyderabad-based advocacy group Humara Bachpan has worked closely with the GHMC to revise the city’s slum rehabilitation guidelines. The revised policy now mandates the provision of basic WASH services, livelihood support, and social protection entitlements as part of any slum upgrading or resettlement program. This ensures that infrastructure improvements are accompanied by measures to enhance the overall well-being and resilience of affected communities.

“Our advocacy efforts have helped shift the mindset of local authorities from a narrow focus on physical infrastructure to a more holistic, people-centered approach to urban development. Now, WASH, livelihoods, and social protection are seen as essential components of slum upgrading in Hyderabad.” – Rukhsar, program coordinator at Humara Bachpan

Building on these policy wins, civil society groups are also mobilizing to hold the government accountable for effective implementation. Community-based monitoring initiatives, such as the “WASH Report Card” launched by the Hyderabad Urban Lab, empower residents to track service quality, identify gaps, and engage with officials to drive continuous improvements.

Lessons for Scaled Impact

The innovative approaches pioneered in Hyderabad offer valuable lessons for addressing the intersection of WASH, livelihoods, and social protection in rapidly urbanizing cities across the global South:

1. Adopt a Holistic, People-Centered Approach: Integrate WASH service delivery with livelihood support and social protection measures to tackle the multidimensional drivers of urban poverty and enhance community resilience.

2. Empower Community-Led Solutions: Engage residents, especially marginalized groups, as active partners in designing, implementing, and monitoring WASH interventions to ensure they meet local needs.

3. Forge Cross-Sectoral Partnerships: Leverage collaboration between local authorities, civil society organizations, and community groups to deliver more comprehensive, impactful programs.

4. Advocate for Supportive Policies: Work to shape urban development policies that mandate the integration of WASH, livelihoods, and social protection as core components of slum upgrading and service delivery.

5. Strengthen Accountability Mechanisms: Empower residents to monitor service quality, report issues, and hold authorities accountable for equitable, responsive WASH provision.

By embracing these strategies, cities can transform the urban service divide from a pervasive challenge into an opportunity to build more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient communities. The lessons from Hyderabad demonstrate that when WASH, livelihoods, and social protection converge, the result is not just improved access to essential services but also enhanced human development, economic prosperity, and community well-being.

To learn more about the Joint Action for Water initiative and explore other examples of innovative WASH solutions, please visit https://jointactionforwater.org/.