Keeling Curve

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Project Summary / Description:

The Center for Water and Sanitation (CWAS) at CRDF, CEPT University, is leading an initiative to build climate-resilient WASH services in six small and medium-sized cities in Maharashtra, India—Ichalkaranji, Wai, Satara, Sinnar, Vita, and Karad. This initiative integrates adaptation and mitigation measures into Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) systems, directly benefiting approximately 800,000 residents, including vulnerable communities.

Key components include Scheduled Desludging and FSSM, ensuring septic tanks are desludged every three years to prevent overflows and reduce pollution, with over 6,000 tanks serviced in Wai alone. Solar-powered FSTPs, urban forests acting as carbon sinks, and the promotion of alternative energy sources further contribute to emissions reduction. Additionally, the initiative empowers women through inclusive planning and implementation, aligning with state programs like Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan and Swachh Maharashtra Mission. This integrated approach demonstrates scalable, sustainable solutions to global climate challenges while enhancing urban environmental resilience.

How Project Affects Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions:

['Reduces GHGs (e.g., projects that reduce sources of GHGs, such as through efficiency or other changes in consumption)', 'Removes/stores GHGs (e.g., projects that capture, sequester, or otherwise enhance the "sinks" that accumulate and store GHGs)']

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

Our scheduled desludging (SD) and Fecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM) initiatives prioritize empowering underrepresented groups, including women, SHGs, sanitation workers, and climate-vulnerable communities. Women and SHGs play a critical role in the implementation and management of these initiatives. Women-led SHGs are actively involved in desludging operations, fostering economic independence and leadership opportunities for women in historically male-dominated sectors. The success stories of women supervisors in Wai exemplify how the project has transformed livelihoods and shattered gender stereotypes. Sanitation Workers benefit from improved safety measures and recognition of their contributions. Through dedicated campaigns like Safaimitra Suraksha aur Sammaan, the dignity and health of workers are prioritized, ensuring they operate in safer, more equitable environments. Climate-Vulnerable Communities gain access to better sanitation services, reducing their exposure to waterborne diseases and environmental hazards. These improvements directly impact slum dwellers and marginalized groups, ensuring inclusive access to sanitation. Within the organization, we emphasize diverse representation and collaboration. Partnerships with local stakeholders, including women-led SHGs and community leaders, ensure the voices of vulnerable groups are central to decision-making. By fostering equity and inclusion, the project not only addresses climate challenges but also creates pathways for social and economic empowerment.

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Mission Statement:

To build climate-resilient WASH systems that adapt to climate impacts and mitigate GHG emissions through sustainable, inclusive solutions like solar-powered FSTPs, urban forests, and energy-efficient utilities, ensuring uninterrupted, equitable services. Aligned with SDGs, the mission promotes scalability, community awareness, and financial viability for healthier communities and a sustainable environment.

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