Sunderbans, West Bengal - Wherever the Need India

Sunderbans, West Bengal

The core elements of this project were to train the people on basic hygeine and provide typical ecosan toilets. Because of the high water table in this area, pit toilets are not suitable to use. We provided a solution with ecosan, and the benefits to the people were many. This project was extended to provide a water filtration tank for use by the community; see stage 2 of the project on this page.

On the way to the project 1

On the way to the project 2

On the way to the project 3

Typical village view 1

Typical village view 2

Fishing is a big livelihood

But the small ponds dry out easily and produce small catches. Not everybody has a boat

A pond. Water for drinking will often come from here

Woman washing by water pump 1

Preparing water to drink

This is what is looks like

There is no option

The water from the well, and the water bought at a store

Girls collecting water 1

Back from collecting water

Look at the colour of the water. But if you think that is bad, look what happens next.

Yes, it's true. There is so much suplhur in the water it can be set alight

And here is somebody filling up their container to take back to their family and drink

Inside the ecosan 1

Inside the ecosan 2

Ecosan 3, with family

Women's meeting

Girls collecting water, but posing for camera!

Sunset in the Sunderbans

This project at a glance

Location: West Bengal, India see on map
Population: 2,000
Main occupation of villagers: Fishing
Project start date: spring 2009
Length of project: 6 months
Provided: 50 individual ecosan
Funded by: The Cyril & Eve Charitable Trust
Support from: n/a

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