Purpose:
To document the full implementation cycle of a Gravity-Fed Water Supply System (GFWSS) — showcasing how VJNNS enables communities to plan, construct, manage, and sustain their own water systems with institutional and technical support. This process flow demonstrates replicability, transparency, and strong community ownership.
Overview of the Process
The VJNNS approach to building GFWSS systems is deeply rooted in community participation, women-led governance, and scientific water source sustainability. Every system is constructed by villagers themselves — from identifying spring sources to completing the last standpost — guided by technical inputs from VJNNS and supported through convergence with government schemes like JJM and MGNREGA.
The GFWSS model is more than infrastructure—it is a governance and sustainability framework that strengthens VWSCs, links water availability to spring-shed recharge, and reduces time poverty for tribal women.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Village Identification & Need Assessment | VJNNS selects water-stressed tribal habitations based on terrain, source failure, community demand, and technical feasibility |
| 2. VWSC Reformation & Training | Existing Village Water and Sanitation Committees are reformed to ensure gender representation (50% women) and trained on governance, planning, and fund management |
| 3. Spring Source Mapping & Survey | Technical teams conduct hydro-mapping and GPS-based surveys to identify perennial springs and determine head (elevation drop) |
| 4. Village Action Plan (VAP) Preparation | A VAP is prepared with community inputs, source-to-standpost design, cost estimates, and recharge measures. It is uploaded to the Jal Jeevan Mission portal |
| 5. Pre-Construction Training & Material Procurement | Communities are trained in system construction. Materials like HDPE pipes, cement, and filter media are procured (with or without donor support) |
| 6. Construction of GFWSS | Community members construct the system: source tank, HDPE pipeline, filtration-distribution tank, and standposts. In high-altitude villages, solar pumps are installed where gravity flow isn’t possible |
| 7. Post-Construction Handover & VWSC Ownership | The completed system is handed over to the VWSC. Maintenance responsibilities include regular cleaning of filters and basic tap repairs. Village fund (contributions from households) is used for minor repairs |
| 8. Spring-Shed & Greywater Management | Parallel to system building, spring recharge work is done using trenches, bunds, plantations, and soak pits. Greywater reuse is promoted through household-level interventions |
| 9. Monitoring & Follow-up | KOBO tools are used to collect baseline and post-construction data. Dashboards and field visits help track system health, community fund usage, and functionality over time |
Below document showcases some of the process given above in detail.