Top CSR Projects for Clean Water and Sanitation in India

June Ideas for SDG 6 Impact

Access to clean water and sanitation remains a serious challenge in many parts of India. According to NITI Aayog, nearly 600 million Indians face high to extreme water stress, and more than 2 lakh people die every year due to inadequate access to safe water. As India moves towards achieving SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, CSR can play a powerful role in accelerating progress.

This blog outlines top CSR project ideas to support SDG 6 through employee volunteering, NGO partnerships, and corporate engagement, specifically tailored for Indian companies looking to make real, trackable impact.

Why June Is the Right Time to Act

As the monsoon approaches, June is ideal to kickstart water-focused projects such as rainwater harvesting, pond rejuvenation, and sanitation awareness. Corporate teams planning CSR volunteering or fun engagement activities can tie up with experienced NGOs to launch these initiatives on the ground.

1. Build and Maintain Community Toilets in Rural Schools

Many girls drop out of school due to the lack of proper sanitation facilities. A CSR-funded project to construct gender-sensitive toilets in rural schools not only addresses hygiene but also boosts school attendance and retention.

• Impact: Improves WASH infrastructure for 1000+ students per school

• Volunteer angle: Employees can be involved in awareness sessions, painting walls, and hygiene drives

2. Install Water Filters and Purifiers in Government Schools

Water-borne diseases are one of the leading causes of school absenteeism. A simple and high-impact CSR initiative is to install low-cost water purifiers in rural and semi-urban government schools.

• Reach: One purifier impacts 300–500 students daily

• Add-on activity: Employees can distribute hygiene kits and explain clean water practices

3. Rejuvenate Traditional Water Bodies with Community

Urban and rural areas both suffer from dried-up ponds, lakes, and stepwells. Through CSR funds, rejuvenation of water bodies can lead to sustainable groundwater recharge and climate resilience.

• Community impact: Supports water availability for 2–5 villages per water body

• Volunteer engagement: Weekend drives to clean the sites and plant trees around the water source

4. Rainwater Harvesting in Schools and Anganwadis

This is a practical and visible initiative. Partner with an NGO to set up rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in schools or government buildings in water-stressed zones.

• Sustainability: Rainwater systems can last 10–15 years

• Volunteer role: Employees can do installations or conduct water-awareness workshops for students

5. Water Conservation Awareness Drives in Offices and Communities

Many urban offices lack awareness of daily water wastage. CSR teams can organize water-saving workshops in offices, apartments, and schools using interactive models and storytelling.

• Tools: Water meters, mobile exhibits, pledge cards

• Engagement: Fun and interactive – perfect for employee-led CSR campaigns

6. Provide Sanitary Kits and Hygiene Education to Adolescent Girls

Access to clean water also affects menstrual hygiene. Partner with grassroots NGOs to distribute sanitary pads, menstrual cups, and provide hygiene training in schools and communities.

• Reach: 1000 girls per ₹1.5 lakh (approximate)

• Volunteer interaction: Sensitization sessions led by trained employees or volunteers

7. Portable Toilets and Water Units at Large Events or Slums

Install portable clean toilets and water refill stations during large public events or in underserved urban areas. This temporary but scalable solution makes a big difference.

• Ideal for: One-day CSR activities or city-based employee volunteering

• Impact: Serves 300–1000 users per event

Collaborating with the Right NGO Partner

All these CSR ideas require strong ground partners for implementation, impact tracking, and community engagement. It’s important to collaborate with experienced NGOs that have operational reach, transparency, and impact measurement systems.

One such organization actively helping corporates implement water and sanitation projects is Marpu Foundation. Their on-ground teams work across India to facilitate clean water access, build community toilets, conduct WASH awareness, and empower volunteers through meaningful engagement.

Conclusion

SDG 6 is not just about installing toilets or giving water. It’s about sustainable access, behavioral change, and inclusive participation. With well-planned CSR projects and the right NGO partner, corporates can ensure their CSR funds create visible, long-term change.

To make this happen, you can collaborate with experienced organizations like Marpu Foundation. To learn more, visit www.marpu.org