Navsari Freshwater Initiative
Combating Saltwater Intrusion in Gujarat Villages
A flagship project addressing water security challenges through innovative engineering solutions and community engagement
Navsari, Gujarat, India 🇮🇳
Initiative Overview
The Navsari Freshwater Initiative is a flagship project under the SundayPyjamas Impact Foundation's Impact Suite platform. This initiative aims to address the critical issue of saltwater intrusion and unreliable freshwater supply in villages near Navsari, Gujarat, India.
By leveraging community engagement, expert collaboration, and technology—including AI—the project seeks to deliver sustainable, scalable solutions for water security.
Key Objectives
- Ensure consistent, safe freshwater supply for Navsari's villages
- Prevent saltwater intrusion through robust, context-specific engineering solutions
- Empower the local community through transparent engagement and collaborative problem-solving
Initiative Impact
The Problem We're Solving
Saltwater Intrusion
During high tides, especially around the full moon, saltwater breaches existing stone wall barriers and contaminates freshwater reservoirs.
Intermittent Supply
Residents currently receive freshwater only twice a week, forcing them to rush and fill tanks during limited supply windows.
Community Impact
This situation affects daily life, public health, and agriculture, creating an urgent need for a reliable, long-term solution.
Our Approach & Solution Design
1. Geographical & Engineering Analysis
Map affected areas and analyze tidal patterns, groundwater flow, and local topography. Assess the effectiveness and weaknesses of current stone wall structures.
2. Solution Proposals
Design and evaluate options such as subsurface dams, improved stone barriers, water harvesting and storage systems, and community-led water management practices.
3. Community Engagement
Collect testimonials and data from residents. Share progress and impact through the Impact Suite platform and podcasts.
AI & Technology Applications
- AI analysis of historical and real-time data on tides, salinity, and water usage
- AI-driven proposal drafting and solution recommendations based on global best practices
- Multilingual accessibility and audio summaries to ensure inclusivity
Project Phases
Phase 1: Problem Documentation
Detailed mapping, data collection, and community interviews.
Phase 2: Expert Solution Design
Collaborative workshops and proposal development.
Phase 3: Outreach & Fundraising
Targeted campaigns to attract contractors, donors, and government support.
Phase 4: Implementation
Oversee construction, monitor progress, and ensure community involvement.
Phase 5: Impact Tracking
Transparent reporting and storytelling via the Impact Suite and podcasts.
Join the Navsari Freshwater Initiative
We invite experts, volunteers, funders, and partners to join us in making a lasting impact for the people of Navsari.