Project Jal Prabal: Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in India
Summary: Jal Prabal at a Glance
Introduction
Access to safe and affordable drinking water is a fundamental human right, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.1 aims to achieve universal and equitable access to this essential resource by 2030. Project Jal Prabal, an innovative public water infrastructure project in rural India, is working towards this goal by providing clean potable water to residents and advancing SDGs related to water, energy, employment, and technological capabilities.
Project Jal Prabal, a clean water project initiated by Desire Energy Pvt Ltd and aimed at providing safe and affordable drinking water to rural areas in India, is making significant contributions towards the achievement of several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project, with its innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies, is addressing the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing clean water, while also creating employment opportunities, improving water management practices and promoting sustainable development. This project works towards the goal of building public water infrastructure in rural India in a smart, efficient and sustainable manner. The project has a total valuation of INR 1592 crores, equivalent to 19.44 million USD and is aligned with the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) of the Government of India, which aims to supply 55 Litre Per Capita Per Day (LPCD) of clean water to every rural household. The scope of work in line with JJM includes the installation of 2.5 lakh FHTCs, the building of public water infrastructure, the improvement of existing water supply systems, the laying of water supply networks, the implementation of smart and efficient water supply systems, and the installation of IoT devices and software.
The objectives of Project Jal Prabal are to provide clean potable water supply to residents, reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW), use technologies like IoT and AI to reduce the chances of human error, and digitize the conventional tracking system. The project aims to achieve these objectives by installing 2.5 lakh Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs), building public water infrastructure in rural India, retrofitting existing water supply systems, laying networks of pipes, installing IoT devices and software, and developing solar-based water plants.
Access to Safe Drinking Water Using Cutting Edge Technology
One of the major SDGs targeted by Project Jal Prabal is Goal 6, which aims to ensure access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. The project aims to achieve this by building public water infrastructure in rural India in a smart, efficient and sustainable manner. By providing 55 liters of clean water per capita per day to every rural household and laying networks of pipes to meet the potable water requirements of each village, Project Jal Prabal is ensuring universal and equitable access to safe drinking water.
Project Jal Prabal is working towards SDG 6.4 by substantially increasing water-use efficiency and reducing the number of people suffering from water scarcity. This is achieved through a number of initiatives, including the reduction of Non Revenue Water (NRW) and the use of technologies such as IoT and AI to monitor the systems and reduce the chances of human error. The project has installed IoT devices and developed software to manage the operations and maintenance of the systems, and has digitized the conventional tracking system used for operations and maintenance. This provides a unique offering, as data is connected to a server and can be analyzed at a centralized control station in each district for predictive analysis of component failures, leakages, and other issues that result in the reduction of NRW. The project is also making the water infrastructure energy-efficient and digitizing the conventional tracking system used for operations and maintenance, which is connected to a server for improved data analytics. It puts into action a centralized control and monitoring system (SCADA) for data analytics for all schemes in each district and also helps in predictive analysis for component failures, leakages, and other issues, leading to a reduction in NRW. It also includes the implementation of environmental and social assessment management plans, and a communication management plan.
In this manner, the energy efficient water infrastructure in Project Jal Prabal also supports the SDG 9.5 target of enhancing scientific research and upgrading the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in developing countries. The transformation of the old infrastructure to smarter and much more cost-efficient systems, combined with the use of IoT and AI technologies, provides opportunities for innovation and the development of new solutions to address water scarcity. The transformation of the old water infrastructure to smarter, more cost-efficient systems, the reduction of NRW and the use of technologies such as IoT and AI, are all examples of the innovative solutions being employed by the project. By digitizing the conventional tracking system and developing a centralized control and monitoring system for data analytics, Project Jal Prabal is setting an example for other organizations to follow.
Further, in line with Goal 6.3, Project Jal Prabal is working to improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals. The project operates a water treatment plant in Baghera, Ajmer district in Rajasthan that supplies 75,000 KL of potable water per day. The plant undergoes several operations to remove impurities, including bicarbonates, calcium and solids, through the use of polyaluminium chloride as a coagulant.
Project Jal Prabal, a clean water project initiated by Desire Energy Pvt Ltd and aimed at providing safe and affordable drinking water to rural areas in India, is making significant contributions towards the achievement of several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project, with its innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies, is addressing the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing clean water, while also creating employment opportunities, improving water management practices and promoting sustainable development. This project works towards the goal of building public water infrastructure in rural India in a smart, efficient and sustainable manner. The project has a total valuation of INR 1592 crores, equivalent to 19.44 million USD and is aligned with the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) of the Government of India, which aims to supply 55 Litre Per Capita Per Day (LPCD) of clean water to every rural household. The scope of work in line with JJM includes the installation of 2.5 lakh FHTCs, the building of public water infrastructure, the improvement of existing water supply systems, the laying of water supply networks, the implementation of smart and efficient water supply systems, and the installation of IoT devices and software.
The objectives of Project Jal Prabal are to provide clean potable water supply to residents, reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW), use technologies like IoT and AI to reduce the chances of human error, and digitize the conventional tracking system. The project aims to achieve these objectives by installing 2.5 lakh Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs), building public water infrastructure in rural India, retrofitting existing water supply systems, laying networks of pipes, installing IoT devices and software, and developing solar-based water plants.
Access to Safe Drinking Water Using Cutting Edge Technology
Project Jal Prabal, with its implementation of solar-based water plants, has made significant contributions towards achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as outlined by the United Nations. The installation of these solar-based water plants has provided a source of renewable energy, which aligns with the SDG 7.2 target of increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. This shift towards renewable energy sources is a crucial step towards mitigating the impacts of climate change and reducing the reliance on non-renewable sources of energy.
Furthermore, by promoting sustainable development, the project is also contributing to Goal 13 on Climate Action. The energy-efficient water infrastructure and the installation of solar-based water plants are examples of the project’s efforts to integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. Additionally, Project Jal Prabal has also demonstrated a commitment towards the SDG 13.2 objective of integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. By utilizing solar energy, the project has reduced its carbon footprint and contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, a key factor in mitigating the impacts of climate change. This adoption of renewable energy sources and integration of climate change measures into the project’s strategy demonstrates the project’s commitment towards sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
The implementation of solar-based water plants has also had numerous benefits for the local communities. Firstly, it has provided a reliable source of clean water, which is essential for supporting community health and well-being. Thirdly, not only reduces the dependence on traditional energy sources that emit greenhouse gases (GHGs), but also facilitates community self-reliance for their energy needs. Furthermore, by reducing the reliance on traditional energy sources, the project has helped to reduce the cost of water production and distribution, making it more affordable and accessible to local communities. This has improved access to clean water for those who were previously without and helped to improve the overall quality of life for these communities.
Transforming the Rural Economy
Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth is also being advanced by Project Jal Prabal, as the project is providing employment to rural populations and improving representation of rural women in the workforce. The project employs 2000+ people, 90% of whom are from rural areas thereby transforming the rural livelihoods situation.
Project Jal Prabal also has a positive social impact, contributing to SDG 8.5 by providing employment to the rural population and better representation of the rural female population in the workforce. The employment opportunities provided by the project help to improve the livelihoods of rural residents and support the economic development of the region.
Partnering organizations include State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM), Uttar Pradesh, and other organizations with similar goals. On an ongoing basis, Desire Energy Private Limited offers a variety of training programs for its employees to improve their technical and leadership abilities, as well as their general personality development.
Conclusion
This is a state of the art initiative for India that is making a significant contribution to the advancement of the SDGs. By providing clean and affordable drinking water, improving water quality, increasing water-use efficiency, and supporting the development of renewable energy and technological capabilities, Project Jal Prabal is making a lasting impact on the lives of rural residents and contributing to the sustainable development in India.
The implementation of Project Jal Prabal is a significant step towards fulfilling the basic requirement of clean potable water to every person in rural India. The use of technologies like IoT and AI, the digitization of conventional tracking systems, and the use of renewable energy sources will make the public water infrastructure smart, efficient, and sustainable. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the rural population, creating employment opportunities and providing clean water. The project is aligned with the JJM of the Government of India and is a significant contribution to the government’s efforts to provide clean water to every rural household.
