12 Reaching the Last Mile—Technology Solutions and Models for …
149
Fig. 12.2 Microfinanced LEU model schematic for Tata Swach
the local retailers and for activation and training services by Tata Chemicals. The
project team facilitated the links between the various stakeholders.
On-the-Ground Activities
Demand creation is an essential component for wide-scale dissemination of services
and long-term sustainability of the model. Prior to the rollout of Swach filter in
the target locations, extensive efforts were put into creating demand for the product.
Most of the times, the need for safe drinking water is not prioritised amongst the BoP
population and, therefore, these needs remain unmet. There were regular awareness
generation sessions conducted in Bundelkhand highlighting the importance of safe
drinking water and how nano-based water filtration technology provides an affordable and effective solution to achieve the same. In addition, street plays were also
organised at these locations. The team also used IEC material to facilitate information
exchange with the community on importance and handling of safe drinking water.
The community was also made aware of their drinking water quality by conducting
on-field testing of water quality parameters including TDS using TDS meter and
bacterial contamination using Aquacheck vials. The on-site testing of water quality
had a massive impact on the communities. The approach for the field rollout was
similar to the one adopted in Delhi.
The Challenge
Sustaining the supply chains remains a challenge. Tata Swach filters are not readily
available in the nearby markets of Chhatarpur and Hamirpur. The nearest procurement
of Swach for the on-going activity is made from the Ghaziabad region of Uttar
Pradesh, which often consumes a lot of time in delivery of the filters. Time-consuming
process of filter delivery to the target location is eventually leading to loss of interest
in the community especially creating issues with the individuals who have paid for the
149
Fig. 12.2 Microfinanced LEU model schematic for Tata Swach
the local retailers and for activation and training services by Tata Chemicals. The
project team facilitated the links between the various stakeholders.
On-the-Ground Activities
Demand creation is an essential component for wide-scale dissemination of services
and long-term sustainability of the model. Prior to the rollout of Swach filter in
the target locations, extensive efforts were put into creating demand for the product.
Most of the times, the need for safe drinking water is not prioritised amongst the BoP
population and, therefore, these needs remain unmet. There were regular awareness
generation sessions conducted in Bundelkhand highlighting the importance of safe
drinking water and how nano-based water filtration technology provides an affordable and effective solution to achieve the same. In addition, street plays were also
organised at these locations. The team also used IEC material to facilitate information
exchange with the community on importance and handling of safe drinking water.
The community was also made aware of their drinking water quality by conducting
on-field testing of water quality parameters including TDS using TDS meter and
bacterial contamination using Aquacheck vials. The on-site testing of water quality
had a massive impact on the communities. The approach for the field rollout was
similar to the one adopted in Delhi.
The Challenge
Sustaining the supply chains remains a challenge. Tata Swach filters are not readily
available in the nearby markets of Chhatarpur and Hamirpur. The nearest procurement
of Swach for the on-going activity is made from the Ghaziabad region of Uttar
Pradesh, which often consumes a lot of time in delivery of the filters. Time-consuming
process of filter delivery to the target location is eventually leading to loss of interest
in the community especially creating issues with the individuals who have paid for the