Since 2010, Lha has installed water filtration systems at 25 different sites throughout Northern India, in areas where a large number of people will benefit including schools, monasteries and other institutions. This has contributed positively to the health and wellbeing of Tibetan, Indian and other Himalayan communities. The total number of beneficiaries of the Clean Water Project to date is over 15,000.

The Importance of the Clean Water Project
There are a number of reasons why Lha has chosen to make clean drinking water a priority in Tibetan refugee communities throughout India.
Firstly, these communities suffer the double burden of polluted drinking water and water shortages. During the monsoon season (June to September), the influx of water overburdens water storage systems, ground water pipes and septic systems. Lack of reliable infrastructure in these water systems means they are prone to breakage and expensive to maintain and repair. As water shortages are an issue, ensuring the proper utilization and storage of available clean drinking water is key to preventing disease and enhancing the quality of life.

Secondly, there are often extreme negative health effects caused by the unclean and polluted drinking water. Especially during the monsoon season, there is an increased risk of waterborne diseases such as typhoid, cholera and other digestive system illnesses, of which some can be fatal. Those at greatest risk are young children, the elderly and individuals with existing health conditions. The impact of disease is not limited to the physical symptoms, but also has social and financial implications, it prevents children from attending school and adults from going to work.

Thirdly, health and hygiene awareness is just as important as a proper sanitation infrastructure. Good personal hygiene helps to prevent spreading infectious diseases, through proper hand washing and avoiding the sharing of cups and utensils. It has been seen that following the installation of the water filtration systems, community members also become more aware of the importance of personal hygiene and an improvement in thus is seen within these communities.

Assessing the impact of the Clean Water Project
Since its inception in 2010, three research projects have been carried out to assess the impact of the Clean Water Project on the target communities. The first survey in 2013 indicated a significant improvement in users’ health since the installation of the water filtration systems. The increased health benefits of the water filtration system can also be seen through class attendance as 74% of students and teachers concluded that there has been an improvement in class attendance and thus fewer absences due to water-borne illnesses.

The second survey in 2014 was combined with testing the water quality of the filtered water as compared with the tap water at 33 sites throughout Himachal Pradesh. Tests were carried out to detect Coliforms, E. coli, pH level, water hardness, nitrites and free chlorine. The test results for tap water showed alarmingly high levels of Coliforms and E. coli, and low pH, ie. acidity. It was found that the filter systems, in combination with chlorination, provide safe drinking water, and that maintaining clean storage tanks is vital. Similarly, the survey results indicated that proper maintenance of the installed water filtrations systems is essential to ensure the continued benefits of filtered water.

The third survey in 2016 included the collection of data related to the water filtration systems and general health and hygiene knowledge and practices. Following the installation of the water filtration systems, 60% of teachers reported an increase in their students’ class attendance and 79% of students reported an improvement in their overall health. Findings show that 67% of students now reported learning about hand washing at school.

The Future of the Project
Refugee communities tend to have higher than average rates of disease as they frequently not only lack safe water, but also other basic needs such as safe shelter and adequate amounts of nutritious foods. Therefore, ensuring a safe source of filtered water should help to improve the Tibetan refugee communities. To support them and continue the positive impact of the Clean Water Project, Lha intends to install further water filtration systems and ensure their proper maintenance. Financial support from donors is essential to ensure that Tibetan refugee communities have access to clean, safe drinking water.

Clean Water Beneficiaries’ Testimonials

“Dharamshala is considered to have the second highest rainfall in the world. During the rainy season, the drinking water is highly contaminated, which causes children to develop related illnesses that may affect their overall growth and development. To help prevent children from becoming ill and missing school, Lha has installed a water filter system in our Sambhota Model School in Gangkyi. We are very appreciative of Lha funding our water filter system and taking such a sincere interest in the health of our students and staff.”

– Mr Karma Chungdak, Director of Sambhota Tibetan Society.

“The principal, staff and students of the Government College of Teacher Education in Dharamsala are very thankful to Lha for the installation of the water filter system through the Rotary club to provide clean and purified water. The existing water purifier was too small to cater to over 500 students, staff members and trainees. The new system can filter 100 liters of water per hour. There cannot be a better example of community service than this gesture of Lha Charitable Trust.”

-Dr Ajay Lakhanpal, Principal of Government College of Teacher Education, Dharamshala

“Lha has had a phenomenal success of installing a number of water filter systems in various communities and schools. The latest Lha water purification system at Kand Government High School is a reflection of the ever-increasing dedication and enthusiasm shown by Lha Charitable Trust. This system will help alleviate major waterborne illness, such as typhoid and cholera; many residents and students suffer from these illnesses in the region. The entire team at the Rotary Club Dharamshala appreciates your gift of time, energy, and enthusiastic support. We would like to say a heartfelt “Thank You!”

– Rrn RK Aggarwal, President 2015-2016, Dharamshala Rotary Club.

 

“On behalf of all the Tibetan refugees residing in the Kham Kathok Tibetan Settlement, we would like to sincerely convey our heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation to Lha Charitable Trust for installing a purified drinking water system which was badly needed because of the high number of water-borne illnesses among the residents. It will surely alleviate the problem of disease and would be Lha’s greatest contribution to maintaining high level of general health the Tibetan residents.”

– Mr Karma Dhargyal, Settlement Officer, Kham Kathok Tibetan Settlement

“We, Geden Choeling Nunnery, would like to thank your organization and concerned sponsors for the water purification installation. It has helped every single nun and staff member. It will improve the health of every individual. We really appreciate the charity and help you give to our Tibetan society. All the nuns will pray for your success.”

– Secretary Office, Geden Choeling Nunnery

“We would like to thank you for installing the water filter machine in the Delek In-patient Ward. This machine is playing a crucial role in providing clean filtered water to our patients and staff for which we are all very grateful. Thank you for your wonderful gift and kind gesture.”

– Tashi Dhondup, Delek Hospital Secretary

“Last year your association provided CST Dalhousie with a very good quality water filter to our school. This promotes better health and hygiene for all our students. The water filter is working properly and has been used a great deal by all the students and staff of our school. Your association has solved a very big seasonal disease problem. All of us would like to say, “THANK YOU SO MUCH!” We will never forget the kind support of your association. We will pray to the three jewels for the long life and remarkable success of your association and of course to you and your department staff for giving a helping hand to the project.”

– Mr Sangpo Rinzin, Rector Office, CST Dalhousie

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