Water and Sanitation at Keystone

Going beyond Protected Areas to semi-urban communities in Tamil Nadu, our work within this programme addresses crucial human rights and public health issues that impact well-being and sustainable development. Through education, community surveys, scientific strategy and informed implementation, Water and Sanitation is uplifting millions of vulnerable citizens.

Components

We aim to promote a deeper understanding of hygiene, health and justice through education, and advocate for safer workplaces for sanitation workers while providing them healthcare services to combat existing hazards. Our work also seeks to close gaps in urban waste management systems through community surveys and decentralised infrastructure for sustainable disposal.

Menstrual Health

Raising awareness of menstrual health conditions among youth and women, advocacy to break stigma around menstruation, and improving access to menstrual healthcare services and materials.

Community Development

Supporting women from lower income families with vocational and leadership skill building, along with resources and infrastructure to earn fair wages. Raising awareness of sanitation practices in schools through practical education.

Access to Safe Sanitation

Closing gaps in semi-urban sewage systems with decentralised fecal sludge treatment solutions, and renovating toilets and toilet containment structures to improve efficiency.

Justice at Work

Advocating for improved working conditions for sanitation workers, and providing healthcare consultations and services to combat workplace hazards.

Current Projects

Partnership with Tamil Nadu Urban Sanitation Support Programme

For seven years, semi-urban communities in Coimbatore district benefitted from water and sanitation support from Keystone in the form of infrastructure renovation and improvement, community and environmental baseline surveys, Tamil Nadu’s pilot decentralised fecal sludge treatment plant, education and advocacy of sanitation practices among children and menstrual health management among youth. With the project coming to an end in 2022, the programme is open for funding to replicate its impact in other communities.

Consultancy with Cheran Group of Institutions

The team is consulting with Cheran, a group of seven institutes for higher education in Coimbatore, to conduct robust audits on water, energy and waste. Following a thorough analysis, we will determine action steps to maximise efficiency.