In the heart of Shirur Block, nestled amidst the rolling fields of rural Maharashtra, lies the Anganwadi center of Dandwate Dara in Malthan village. For years, this small center has been a harbinger of hope for the village’s youngest members, offering early childhood education and nutrition support. Yet, like many such centers in rural India, it faced a perennial challenge—water scarcity, particularly during the harsh summer months.
In 2024, under the banner of ITC Mission Sunehra Kal and with the dedicated implementation by FINISH Society, a transformative initiative was set in motion. Eight Anganwadi centers, including Dandwate Dara, became the focus of an innovative intervention: Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting (RWH). This system aimed to harness the untapped potential of rainwater to address the water crisis and recharge groundwater levels.
A Visit to the Anganwadi
When The team visited Dandwate Dara, Anganwadi Sevika (worker) Sunita welcomed them with a warm smile. Pointing to the newly installed gutters and pipes along the roof, she shared how the RWH system had already begun to change their lives. she said with heartfelt gratitude,

“आमच्या अंगणवाडी केंद्राला रेन वॉटर हार्वेस्टिंगची सुविधा उपलब्ध करून दिल्यामुळे मी आयटीसी मिशन सूनहरा कल अंतर्गत काम करणाऱ्या सर्वांची आभारी आहे. रेन वॉटर हार्वेस्टिंग मुळे बोरवेल मधील पाण्याच्या पातळीत वाढ होऊन उन्हाळ्यात आम्हाला पाण्याची टंचाई होणार नाही,”

(“I am grateful to everyone working under the ITC Mission Sunehra Kal for providing our Anganwadi center with the facility of rainwater harvesting. Due to rainwater harvesting, the water level in the borewell will increase, and we will not face water scarcity during the summer.”)
Her words echoed the sentiments of many in the village, where water scarcity often dictated the rhythm of daily life. Each of the eight centers, with a combined rooftop area of 457.25 m², was equipped with a simple yet effective RWH system. Rainwater collected from rooftops was directed through pipes into soak pits, designed to percolate water into the ground. This not only replenished groundwater but also provided a consistent water source for daily activities at the centers.
Complementing the RWH system, 16 aerators were installed on taps, drastically reducing water wastage. “Now, every drop counts,” Sunita explained. With these aerators, water flow was reduced from 10–15 liters per minute to just 4–6 liters, ensuring efficiency without compromising on functionality.

The Numbers Speak

With an annual rainfall of 498 mm, the eight centers collectively contribute over 56,920 liters of groundwater recharge annually. Beyond the numbers, the real impact was visible in the smiles of the children playing in the courtyard, their laughter underscoring a newfound sense of security.

A Ripple Effect
The success of the RWH project didn’t stop at the Anganwadi centers. Inspired by the initiative, several villagers have begun exploring similar solutions for their homes and farms. The program has become a model of sustainable water management, demonstrating how simple, low-cost interventions can have profound, long-term impacts.

A Vision for the Future
Sunita’s pride in her Anganwadi center was palpable as she spoke about the improved hygiene, sanitation, and continuity of programs even during the dry months. The initiative is not just a solution to water scarcity but a pathway to building resilience and ensuring the well-being of future generations.
As the team left, Sunita’s words stayed with them —a poignant reminder of the power of community-driven change: “Rainwater harvesting is not just about water. It is about hope, sustainability, and a better future for our children.”
The journey of these Anganwadi centers under ITC Mission Sunehra Kal is a testament to what is possible when innovation meets commitment, leaving behind a legacy of sustainability for generations to come.