As part of its commitment to improving access to safe drinking water in rural communities, Usha Martin Foundation (UMF) has successfully implemented a special drinking water initiative across 18 villages in the Tamar block of Ranchi district over the past year.
Under the programme, 35 hand pumps and 14 wells were repaired and restored, benefiting more than 1,000 families with access to clean and safe drinking water. The initiative addressed a critical challenge faced by rural communities, particularly during the summer months, when water scarcity becomes severe.
Many hand pumps and water sources had become non-functional due to lack of maintenance, forcing villagers—especially women and children—to travel long distances to fetch water. Recognizing this need, Usha Martin Foundation undertook repair work based on requests received from local residents and public representatives.
Speaking about the initiative, villagers expressed those earlier women and children often had to walk nearly one to two kilometres every day to collect water from distant sources, resulting in significant hardship and loss of time. With the restoration of local hand pumps and wells, access to clean drinking water has become much easier and more convenient.
The initiative reflects Usha Martin Foundation’s broader objective of supporting rural development and community well-being. Beyond improving access to drinking water, the programme also seeks to create awareness among rural communities about hygiene, sanitation, and water conservation.
Through the repair and restoration, the Foundation has helped strengthen water security and improve the quality of life for hundreds of rural households.
