We initiated our project by designing a comprehensive study to understand the water issues in Dharavi. We began by conducting household surveys and guerrilla interviews to gather qualitative data directly from residents, which asked them about water shortages, water sources, and water-related health issues to identify specific gaps and potential improvements. We organized focus group discussions with different community segments, including women, children, and elderly residents, to gather qualitative insights into their water-related challenges and coping mechanisms.

We then mapped out all available water sources in Dharavi, including municipal taps, borewells, and water tanks, and collected water samples from these sources to analyze the quality. Specific parameters such as pH, turbidity, coliform bacteria, and chemical contaminants were measured using portable water testing kits. Each water source was tagged with GPS coordinates to create a detailed water map of the area. By the end of this phase, we had a dataset that provided a detailed understanding of the water situation in Dharavi.

After collecting a robust dataset, we moved to the analysis phase, using machine learning to draw meaningful insights. We first cleaned and pre-processed the data, handling missing values, and normalizing the data to ensure consistency. Wethen fed the dataset into various machine learning models, including clustering algorithms like K-means to identify patterns in water usage and availability across different sections of Dharavi.

This process included running simulations to create detailed spatial models that visualized water source distribution and contamination levels and model water flow and predict future demand under different scenarios, using MATLAB, Pandas, NumPy, and Scikit-learn.

These models highlighted critical hotspots where water quality was severely compromised and areas with the most acute shortages.

By overlaying demographic data, the team could correlate water issues with specific population segments, revealing that households with young children and elderly residents were particularly vulnerable. The analysis also simulated the impact of potential interventions, such as installing water kiosks or decentralized filtration systems, predicting improvements in water access and quality. Through this approach, we had a clear direction for the next steps for our project.

After analyzing the data, we focused on distilling key insights to identify actionable solutions. We found that the most significant water-related issues in Dharavi were concentrated in areas with high population density and poor infrastructure, where water contamination and scarcity were most severe. Short-term solutions were prioritized to address immediate needs.

First, we proposed implementing decentralized water harvesting systems to collect rainwater, which could be filtered using bio-sand filters made from locally sourced materials. This approach would be cost-effective and quickly deployable.

Second, the team conceptualized portable solar-powered water purification boxes, designed to be affordable and easily maintained by local residents. These units would provide clean water on demand, reducing reliance on contaminated sources.

Third, we suggested establishing community water kiosks coupled with greywater recycling systems to maximize water reuse and reduce overall consumption.

For a long-term solution, we created a water redevelopment plan that included upgrading the existing water distribution network to ensure equitable access to clean water across Dharavi. This plan involved installing new pipelines, repairing leaks, constructing water storage tanks to ensure a steady supply during dry periods, distributing microloans for water-related enterprises, and integrating advanced filtration technologies at key points in the distribution system.

To address the immediate water quality issues in Dharavi, we developed decentralized water harvesting units paired with bio-sand filtration technology. This initiative began with mapping the rooftops of residential buildings to identify optimal locations for rainwater collection systems. Using inexpensive materials like plastic drums and PVC pipes, we designed and constructed a cost-effective rainwater harvesting setup that could be installed on homes throughout the slum. Each system was equipped with a basic filtering mechanism to remove large debris before the water entered the storage drum.

At the same time, we developed bio-sand filters, which were constructed using locally sourced sand, gravel, and concrete. The bio-sand filters used the natural filtration capabilities of sand and gravel layers to purify water, significantly reducing pathogens and contaminants.

We also led workshops to educate residents on how to build and maintain these filters, emphasizing the importance of proper filtration in ensuring safe drinking water.

In this phase, we focussed on developing portable, cost-effective solar-powered water purification boxes (OASIS boxes) and solar groundwater pumps by working with the Solar Water Project. The process began by distributing  easily transportable unit that could effectively purify contaminated groundwater using solar energy, harnessing the abundant sunlight available in the region.

Their technology, which uses solar energy to power water pumps and purifiers, allowed us to deliver clean water sustainably and affordably, allowing us to set up 10 solar water stations across Dharavi, each capable of purifying up to 5,000 liters of water per day. This made it suitable for individual families or small community groups.

To enhance access to clean water in Dharavi, we established community water kiosks strategically located in high-density areas. These kiosks were designed to provide affordable, clean drinking water sourced from local purification methods. We collaborated with community leaders to identify optimal locations that would maximize accessibility for residents, particularly focusing on areas with limited access to reliable water sources. Each kiosk featured a simple payment system that allowed users to pay per liter, ensuring affordability while covering operational costs.

At the same time, we developed greywater recycling systems to harness and purify wastewater from households. These systems included a series of filtration stages using bio-sand filters and constructed wetlands, which naturally purify greywater before it's reused for irrigation and sanitation purposes.

To support these initiatives financially, we were also able to install Water ATMs, which offered a cashless payment option for purchasing purified water.

To address the long-term water crisis in Dharavi, we devised a redevelopment plan focused on sustainable water infrastructure. This plan included the construction of centralized rainwater harvesting systems capable of capturing and storing monsoon runoff, designed to serve as a backup supply during dry seasons. The team collaborated with local engineers to ensure the systems were resilient against flooding, incorporating features like overflow drainage and filtration.

Additionally, we proposed the establishment of a network of water distribution pipelines that connected remote areas to the existing municipal supply, ensuring equitable access to clean water for all residents. This network would use low-cost, locally sourced materials to minimize expenses while providing durable solutions.

We're currently in talks of organizing town hall meetings to gather input from residents on their water needs and gather grants, partnerships with local NGOs, and government approval for this project.