Jana Vikasa – Who they are and what they do:

Jana Vikasa is a seasoned social service organisation based in Warangal, Telangana, with over two decades of experience in implementing community-based water purification initiatives. Since 2007, it has established more than 500 community water purification projects, benefiting over 750,000 people across two Indian states. The organisation promotes a sustainable, community-owned model using reverse osmosis (RO) technology and solar energy to provide safe drinking water. Jana Vikasa empowers local communities by forming water committees, delivering capacity-building training, and encouraging local contributions to foster ownership and long-term sustainability.

The organisation’s approach is rooted in community ownership and resilience, with a strong emphasis on awareness-building, local resource mobilisation, and inclusive capacity development. Village-level water committees are trained in leadership, financial management, and technical maintenance, and supported through a federation model to ensure long-term success. Projects are designed to be inclusive, with at least 30% female representation in committees, and promote environmental responsibility by integrating solar energy to reduce reliance on polluting thermal power sources.

NextEnergy Foundation was introduced to Jana Vikasa through Bala Vikasa, a sister organisation whose two solar-powered water purification systems in the rural villages of Ragampet (Warangal District) and Pamena (Ranga Reddy District), Telangana State, were funded in 2023. Read here to learn more about this project.

What NEF Does with Jana Vikasa:

The project supported by NextEnergy Foundation in 2025 aims to install two solar-powered community water purification plants in fluoride-affected rural villages in Telangana, directly benefiting around 2,500 people. Each plant will have a capacity of 500 litres per hour and will be managed by elected local committees. The initiative addresses serious health issues caused by contaminated water—such as fluorosis, kidney problems, and gastrointestinal diseases—by ensuring 24/7 access to affordable, purified water.

The project includes community mobilisation, technical training, infrastructure development, and ongoing support. Beneficiaries contribute to the cost of equipment and operations, and the system uses prepaid cards for water access. Expected outcomes include improved health, reduced medical expenses, increased school and work attendance, and a lower environmental impact through reduced carbon emissions.