Impact
Operational Highlights
- Raised over INR 200,000
- Installed 11 handwash units in Gurgaon
- Received commitments for some scale-up funding and partnerships
The Journey
The first prototype was installed in Gurgaon and tested in the crowded Sadar Bazar market, near a Gurudwara. The market attracts thousands of visitors and workers every day. Hence, it is imperative that there are proper facilities for the vendors to keep themselves safe and healthy by washing their hands periodically. We have strategically installed our first unit next to a drinking water station (piyau). Clean Hands Initiative has partnered with Gurgaon Nagrik Ekta Manch (GNEM) for implementation. GNEM has been an invaluable support in visiting sites to identify locations that would benefit from the installation of these handwash stations, coordinating with market associations and local stakeholders, and facilitating the installation process.
Together, we finalised three locations in Sadar Bazar to install our handwash stations for the pilot phase. Our team spends a lot of time researching areas and finding the perfect spot for installation. Apart from the Gurudwara location, we will place our stations at the Sabzi Mandi entrance, and one in the heart of the Sadar Bazar, where people come from all directions. We also chose the Mandi entrance because it has a public toilet without any handwashing facility nearby.
Besides the 3 units that will be installed in Sadar Bazar, we have raised funding for and identified 8 other locations in Gurgaon for our pilot. These include sabzi mandis, street vending zones, and other crowded areas. As we were installing our first units, people told us stories about the lack of sanitation facilities in their areas and requested our help. We will look at these areas as we scale up.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
Our work contributes to the following SDGs:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Featured image credit: Alex Ivanov, 2016