A center that empowers local communities for clean water

The International Center for Clean Water (ICCW), which completes two years, is working on several aspects to ensure clean, quality water for the people.

T. Established with funding from HT Parekh Foundation under the guidance of Pradeep, who was awarded the Padma Shri last year, the center has 15 individuals including engineers and scientists.

The Center is working on various projects under Mr. Pradeep, who believes that the availability of clean water is the most important indicator of development. ICCW Chief Executive E. Nandkumar leads this mission by connecting organizations around the world with the center. It has also provided solutions to international companies.

Closure Home, an initiative to improve the reverse osmosis method of purifying water, but with less water wastage. The technique has been implemented in some communities in Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu and Birbhum in West Bengal.

In Ramanathapuram, a pilot project was conducted to study the water needs of the population. The researchers came up with a water safety index based on demand and usage efficiency. Researchers have trained communities to take care of their resources by teaching them to maintain their water plants. “We have taught communities to take ownership and promote the water trade,” said Mr. Nandakumar.

In another initiative, students are being trained to map groundwater. The center is also working on developing low-cost kits and sensors that can assess water quality. Apart from mapping water bodies, it is also in the process of creating an app to connect people.

“Our intention is to empower the local people and keep a clear control over the water quality. If it is not good, they should have a voice to say it and utilities have to do something. This is the change at the ground level that we want to bring. We are looking for funding because we are an NGO and depend on CSR, government funds or grants.