Reaching the Last Mile—Technology Solutions and Models for Service Delivery

Abstract

The accessibility to safe drinking water is a major challenge India faces as a developing nation. The condition is grimmer in rural areas where only 45% of the population has access to clean drinking water, a number significantly low when compared to urban areas (79%). The issue has become relevant and will continue to do so in the coming years as more and more water sources get contaminated with both biological and chemical pollutants. Annually, 1.5 million children die from diarrhoea after consuming contaminated water. Despite various technological breakthroughs and innovations, especially involving nanomaterials, the research benefits have not been percolated to the vulnerable communities at the Bottom of the Economic Pyramid (BoP). Experience suggests that this can be achieved through innovative approaches on behaviour change, service delivery models and sustainable supply chains. Technology and Action for Rural Advancement (TARA) and Development Alternatives (DA) are involved in ensuring access to safe water to the BoP through testing innovative delivery models. The action research tested the potential for scalability of these sustainable and affordable solutions for a wider dissemination in the BoP market. Based on the end-user preference, the Tata Group introduced a product, Tata Swach filter, at an affordable rate of Rs. 999. Through design and implementation of a sustainable supply chain mechanism, the demand for the Swach filter has increased exponentially with consumers placing immediate orders for its procurement. The chapter will further elaborate on the features of the supply chains, delivery models, drivers and barriers within the larger scheme of sustainability.