Empowering Marginalized Communities to Build Sustainable Water and Sanitation Solutions
In the face of increasing climate variability, communities living in Hyderabad’s urban slums remain highly vulnerable to the devastating impacts of disasters. However, through strategic investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, paired with robust community engagement and advocacy efforts, these marginalized populations can build resilience and safeguard their long-term health and livelihoods.
The challenges facing Hyderabad’s slum residents are multifaceted. Many lack access to reliable piped water supply, adequate sanitation facilities, and proper drainage systems – leaving them susceptible to waterborne illnesses, contamination, and flooding during extreme weather events. Poor solid waste management further compounds these issues, breeding unsanitary conditions that heighten the risk of disease outbreaks.
“We have seen firsthand how flooding can devastate our communities,” explains Lakshmi, a community leader in Hyderabad’s Banjara Hills neighborhood. “When the monsoons come, our makeshift toilets and water sources are destroyed, forcing us to resort to open defecation. This not only threatens our health, but also our dignity and sense of security.”
To address these pressing concerns, a collaborative effort between the local government, community-based organizations (CBOs), and international development partners is underway. The Joint Action for Water (JAW) initiative, supported by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is pioneering an integrated approach to building climate resilience through targeted WASH interventions.
The National Adaptation Plan of Pakistan highlights the importance of strengthening institutional capacity and leveraging community-driven solutions to enhance water security and sanitation services – a model that is being adapted for the Hyderabad context.
Fostering Inclusive Community Engagement and Empowerment
At the heart of the JAW initiative is a commitment to meaningful community engagement, ensuring that marginalized groups, particularly women and children, have a strong voice in shaping WASH-related decisions and interventions.
“For too long, our needs and perspectives have been overlooked,” says Lakshmi. “This project is different – it actively seeks out our input and empowers us to become agents of change within our own communities.”
Through a series of participatory workshops and focus group discussions, the JAW team has worked closely with local residents to understand their unique challenges and priorities. This has informed the design and implementation of tailored WASH solutions, ranging from the construction of community-managed water kiosks to the establishment of decentralized waste management systems.
Housing and the Sustainable Development Goals emphasize the critical role of community participation in developing inclusive and climate-resilient urban services – a principle that is central to the JAW approach.
Importantly, the project also invests in building the leadership and advocacy capacities of local residents, empowering them to engage with municipal authorities and hold service providers accountable. This includes training community members on water quality monitoring, disaster preparedness, and effective communication strategies – equipping them with the knowledge and tools to champion their own needs.
“We are no longer passive recipients of aid,” affirms Lakshmi. “Through this project, we have gained the confidence and skills to advocate for our rights and shape the future of our communities.”
Integrating WASH with Disaster Risk Reduction
Recognizing the inextricable link between WASH and disaster resilience, the JAW initiative has placed a strong emphasis on integrating these two critical components. By strengthening the reliability and climate-responsiveness of water and sanitation infrastructure, the project aims to mitigate the devastating impacts of floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events.
The World Cities Report 2020 highlights the importance of adopting an integrated, multi-hazard approach to urban disaster risk reduction – a strategy that is being implemented in Hyderabad’s slums.
Key interventions include:
- Constructing elevated water storage tanks and distribution networks: Ensuring that communities have access to clean, uninterrupted water supply, even during flood events.
- Promoting nature-based sanitation solutions: Introducing decentralized, flood-resilient toilets and wastewater treatment systems that can withstand climate-related stresses.
- Enhancing stormwater drainage and solid waste management: Improving the capacity of local infrastructure to handle increased runoff and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
- Strengthening early warning systems and emergency response plans: Empowering communities to prepare for and respond effectively to disaster scenarios.
By integrating these WASH-focused resilience measures with broader disaster risk reduction strategies, the JAW initiative aims to create a comprehensive safety net for Hyderabad’s most vulnerable populations.
“In the past, we have seen our hard-earned progress wiped out by a single flood,” says Lakshmi. “But now, we have the knowledge and the tools to protect our communities and bounce back stronger than ever.”
Building Partnerships and Catalyzing Policy Change
To ensure the long-term sustainability and scalability of the JAW initiative, the project team has worked tirelessly to foster strategic partnerships and influence policy change at the local and national levels.
The World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework for India underscores the importance of improving urban service delivery and building climate resilience – objectives that align closely with the JAW project’s goals.
At the municipal level, the team has established collaborative relationships with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). These partnerships have facilitated the integration of community-driven WASH solutions into the city’s existing infrastructure and service delivery frameworks.
“By working hand-in-hand with local authorities, we have been able to elevate the voices of slum residents and secure their rightful access to essential water and sanitation services,” explains Lakshmi.
At the national level, the JAW initiative has actively engaged with policymakers and leveraged its data-driven insights to inform the development of India’s National Adaptation Plan. This has included advocating for increased investment in pro-poor WASH interventions and the adoption of robust disaster risk reduction measures in urban planning and development.
“Our work in Hyderabad has demonstrated the transformative potential of community-led WASH solutions,” says the JAW project manager. “We are committed to scaling up this model and empowering marginalized communities across India to build resilience and secure their fundamental human rights.”
Conclusion: Replicating the JAW Approach for Lasting Impact
The JAW initiative in Hyderabad’s slums has proven that strategic investments in WASH, coupled with inclusive community engagement and advocacy, can be a powerful catalyst for building climate resilience and improving the lives of the most vulnerable. By embracing an integrated, multi-stakeholder approach, the project has not only addressed the immediate needs of local residents but also laid the groundwork for long-term, sustainable change.
As India continues to grapple with the mounting challenges posed by urbanization, environmental degradation, and climate change, the lessons learned from the JAW initiative offer a roadmap for replicating this model in other marginalized communities across the country. By empowering citizens, strengthening institutional capacities, and aligning with national policy priorities, this innovative approach can drive transformative and lasting impact – ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a more resilient and equitable future.
