Most of projects of hydropower major NHPC are located at remote locations, therefore as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility- Sustainable Development (CSR-SD) practices, it has undertaken key steps as towards providing access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation facilities in the vicinity of its projects.
‘KALASH’ scheme Knowing that places of community gathering such as community centres, Namghars, markets, schools, colleges etc. need safe drinking water and sanitation, NHPC made intervention for improved access in various places in Assam under ‘KALASH’ scheme.
Over three years, it has committed itself to build around 1,450 Kalash water points, spread over five districts, including those that go well beyond the project affected area of the 2000 MW Subansiri Lower Project site. It has signed MoU for 1620 locations with local bodies/ management committees for implementation of the scheme in rural areas of Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath and Majuli districts of Assam.
Expected beneficiary population is approximately 10 lakh and the expenditure incurred till date is over Rs 14.55 crore. Providing RO Based Drinking Water & Sanitation Complex NHPC has also set up 1,000 LPH RO Plant with estimated cost of Rs. 28.5 lakhs each catering to around 300-400 families on a daily basis. These ‘RO Based Drinking Water & Sanitation Complex’are set up at ten locations in Assam. During 2017-18, a sum of Rs.1.60 crore has been spent towards this scheme.
Benefits
The schemes have also led to reduction of plastic bottles, reduction of water borne diseases and great service during public events and functions. These have reduced reliance on unsafe water and brought down costs and the financial burden to treat and filter water.
