Construction of Sanitation facility for Tribal Village - Vagapanai

Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu

About Vagapanai Tribal Village

• Vagapanai Village located in Beautiful Nilgiri Mountains. For the 40 Irula families living at Vagapanai in Kengarai along the Kil Kotagiri slopes, existence is an uphill struggle.
• People have to walk seven kilometres from their village to reach the nearest bus stop or access basic amenities, including healthcare.
• If they arrive after dusk, it becomes dangerous to trek to the village because of the presence of the wildlife, including elephants, gaur and sloth bear.
• Vagapanai village is not just a place; it's an experience—a journey back in time, a celebration of nature, and a warm embrace from the heart of Nilgiri.

About Vagapanai Tribal Village

• Village name: Vagapanai.
• District : The Nilgiris
• State : Tamil Nadu.
• Language : Tamil and Badaga, Kannada, Hindi.
• Population profile: Irula Tribals. A population count of approximately 200
• Elevation / Altitude: 823 meters. Above Seal level.
• Comes under Kengarai Panchayat, in Nilgiri District.
• It is a tribal village of Irulas.
• It is about 7-8 kms from Kootada Tea Estate ,managed by the Stanes Group.
• The village has about 40 families currently residing.
• The current Panchayat President : Mr. Murugan.

Newspaper Articles On Vagapanai Village

Road to Vagapanai Village

Objective of the Project

Providing toilets and bath facilities for around 25 families in the Vagapanai Village, Nilgiris and two toilets at major junctions

Features of the Project

• Initial research on various toilet models available in market which can be carried easily to the village and assemble.
• Finalizing the model design and outsourcing the fabrication work.
• Conducting Gramasabhas to educate tribal community on benefits of toilet usage and proper sanitation.
• Transportation of fabrication materials to tribal village.
• Fabrication of toilet and bath facility within one box and installation of electric and plumbing connections.
• Installation of first model at Honnatty Junction.
• Digging pits for safe disposal of toilet waste.

Photos of Grama Sabha

Installation of First Model Toilets

• The initial model has been installed at the Honnatty bus stop, a key junction linking 9-10 villages.
• It serves as a waiting point for women from neighbouring villages to catch buses to nearby cities..
• However, the lack of adequate restroom facilities has been a pressing issue..
• First model toilet was installed at this place..
• The beneficiaries of this project are all women residing in the surrounding villages.

Photos of Materials

Photos of Pits

Photos of Fabrication Work

Inspection of Fabrication Work by AnuVikaz Team

Photos of Installation Work

Acknowledgments

• We extend our sincerest gratitude to Saint-Gobain India for their generous CSR fund contribution.
• Your support has been pivotal in the successful execution of our project.
• Together, we are making a tangible difference in our community, thanks to your commitment to social responsibility..
• Your partnership is invaluable, and we look forward to continuing to work together for positive change.