Arghyam

The India Water Portal (IWP) serves as an exhaustive knowledge hub for the water sector. It provides a vast collection of information, including articles, data, and content on water-related topics. The platform offers a space for sharing experiences and solutions, engaging with water experts, and gaining insights into sustainable water management efforts across India. IWP is Arghyam's flagship initiative, functioning as an open repository and facilitating collaborative learning in the field of water.

The Government of Karnataka is implementing the Antarajala Chetana programme to boost groundwater levels in rural areas by utilizing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). They have partnered with the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) to enhance the technical capabilities of NREGA functionaries. FES is working alongside MGNREGS officials to demonstrate a community-involved, scientifically planned approach that improves the quality and durability of assets created. Arghyam is providing support to FES in collaborating with the State Government to establish a scalable model for natural resource management planning.

The Government of Meghalaya, supported by the World Bank, launched the Meghalaya Community-led Landscape Management Programme (MCLLMP), a 60 million USD initiative. The programme aims to enhance the capabilities of local communities in sustainable natural resource management. Arghyam partnered with the Government of Meghalaya in 2019 to support the MCLLMP, leading to the establishment of the Natural Resource Management (NRM) Scale Programme. This programme, in collaboration with Socion and Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), focuses on empowering three Village Community Facilitators (VCFs) per village, including at least one woman, to manage natural resources effectively. The capacity-building process revolves around empowering the VCFs.

In managing India's largest groundwater programme, a systemic approach is implemented by Arghyam. As a long-term knowledge partner of the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, Arghyam strengthens the Atal Bhujal Yojana, a scheme aimed at improving groundwater management. The programme focuses on community sensitization and interventions to address supply and demand. Through partnerships with organisations like Arid Communities and Technologies (ACT) and Socion, Arghyam designs scalable models for participatory water security plans, involving local actors and community institutions. The use of digital technology enhances clarity, visibility, and data-driven governance. The programme also empowers Community Resource Persons (CRPs) and incentivizes gram panchayats to achieve milestones. By strengthening the operating model and capacity of community-level actors, the programme aims to foster engagement, accountability, and ownership at all levels.

Under this scheme, a consortium comprising Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India), Water For People, and Arghyam has been formed. The programme focuses on operationalizing and presenting a scalable model of participatory operation and maintenance (O&M) for around 600 water supply schemes in Muzaffarpur district. The programme emphasizes the role of the "Anurakshak" workforce, who will be responsible for the smooth implementation of the Peyjal Nishchay Yojana in their respective wards. With a lean programme design, the aim is to enable scalability and replication across the state. The Government takes the lead in ownership and execution, while the consortium partners act as facilitators and knowledge partners. Digital technology is employed to generate trusted data and enhance stakeholder agency. The program aims to build capacities, establish O&M processes, and influence replication at scale.

Arghyam partners with the INREM Foundation to democratize knowledge and data on water quality in India. Through its collaborative efforts, it enhances understanding, builds capacities, and creates scalable models for water quality management. The online Water Quality Management course engages participants as Water Quality Champions, who spread awareness, provide training, and conduct tests. INREM strengthens institutional capacities and collaborates with various stakeholders to improve water quality testing and raise awareness at the district level. Its participants serve as valuable contributors to the water quality ecosystem, making a positive impact on safe water provision in communities.