Mangaluru: HIF India has been implementing Project Boondh, a year-old initiative to address the public need for drinking water. The project involves installing water dispensers and constructing borewells and wells in public spaces to ensure access to clean drinking water.
Rizwan Pandeshwar, executive member, HIF India, said that the project was conceptualised during the Covid-19 pandemic, when labourers and poor individuals struggled to access drinking water. Restrictions imposed by hotels left many with no choice but to rely on places of worship for water. This inspired HIF to address the broader public's drinking water needs, ensuring inclusivity across communities. The foundation tries to avoid installing facilities within places of worship or educational institutions, as these locations can independently raise funds for such purposes, he said.
So far, HIF drilled six borewells, including three in Dakshina Kannada, two in Rajasthan, and one in Andhra Pradesh. "This is a pan-India initiative and the cost of each borewell varies based on depth, but generally starts at Rs 1.5 lakh," said Rizwan.
On the water dispenser front, the 10th unit was inaugurated near the Cutchi Masjid Complex in Bunder on Sunday. "This location was selected because there are a lot of labourers in the area. The project is being implemented across Dakshina Kannada, with dispensers installed based on local needs. A 100-litre dispenser, capable of serving 500 people, costs Rs 1 lakh and can include provisions for normal, cold, or hot water, depending on needs. The dispensers are installed where residents agree to provide electricity and water, with costs reimbursed later. Generally, dispensers with cold and normal water are installed. The dispenser near the Cutchi Masjid Complex was installed in memory of Ahmed AK, chairman of the AK Group, who was also the patron of HIF India and founder chairman of Masjid Ul Ehsaan," said Rizwan.