WHEELS Global Foundation and WIN Foundation partner with the WaterBANK Foundation to launch the BarterWATER initiative in India / Courtesy Photo

In a pioneering step towards tackling water scarcity, WaterBANK Foundation, in partnership  WHEELS Global Foundation (Global Giving back platform of Pan IIT community), has launched the BarterWATER initiative in Bihar’s Ara district. This ground-breaking barter-based water economy was inaugurated in Pakri village on Feb.16, 2025 with the first WaterBANK unit, offering a sustainable and community-driven model for water access to the rural communities. 

The BarterWATER initiative is based on an innovative incentive system that rewards efforts in community action with Rainbow Credits. These credits can be redeemed for clean drinking water from OAS Spring units or exchanged for essential nature-based goods and services, fostering a culture of responsible water use at the grassroots level. In addition to the innovative ‘barter-for-impact’ model, the solution is deploying pioneering research from IIT-Kharagpur to tackle Arsenic contamination in the water sources using commonly found laterite mineral for binding and safe disposal of Arsenic. Arsenic has had a devastating health impact on communities across at least eight States in North India, where communities lack affordable and easy to deploy solutions and suffer from high cancer rates. WHEELS and its sister entity WIN Foundation joined hands two years ago to support pilot of this innovative technology along with equally transformative business model

This mission aligns with the United Nations Decade for Action Agenda (2018-2028) and supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030). By integrating clean water access with an eco-conscious economic system, the initiative empowers rural communities while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Several key players have contributed to the initiative’s technological backbone, ensuring the success and scalability of the BarterWATER mission. Husk Power Systems, a leading solar-electric power generation company, has played a crucial role by enabling solar-powered automation to energize OAS Spring and DigitAPP (TAP@APP) technology. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has developed the innovative OAS water purification technology, providing a sustainable solution for clean water access. Founded by Saket Kumar (IIT-Kharagpur alumni and member of WHEELS family), VAS Bros. Enterprises is spearheading the commercialization of this technology, making it accessible for widespread implementation. Recognizing the initiative's potential, NITI Aayog has officially endorsed the mission, adding credibility and opening avenues for broader policy support. Furthermore, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India is conducting impact assessments through the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bangalore, ensuring that the project delivers tangible benefits at scale.

The initiative has also garnered strong support from both national and international organizations, further solidifying its impact. The National Bamboo Mission, Govt. of India, is actively facilitating the use of bamboo-based infrastructure to support the expansion of WaterBANK. Additionally, UNIDO’s Global Clean-Tech Innovation Program has provided essential support to scale up the OAS technology from lab to industry level. The initiative’s pilot phase also received backing from UNICEF. The Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, has further strengthened the mission by financing OAS technology development under its Water-Mission initiative. In recognition of its groundbreaking approach, the Indian Innovators Association has listed the OAS technology among India’s top 100 innovations, highlighting its potential for global impact.

This mission is not just about technology and policy—it is powered by the community. To further raise awareness and encourage community participation, WaterBANK has collaborated to create PaaniBawani – The Anthem for BarterWATER Mission, which showcases 52 unique perspectives on critical issues related to water, environment, and climate change.

The first barter transactions at WaterBANK are already demonstrating the power of Rainbow Credits in building a sustainable circular economy. Households investing in Net-Zero gray-water discharge infrastructure are rewarded with 1,000 Rainbow Credits, incentivizing responsible water management. Similarly, 1,000 Rainbow Credits can be exchanged for bamboo bins, encouraging proper waste segregation and recycling. Additionally, individuals can redeem 1,000 Rainbow Credits for a bamboo chair, showcasing how sustainability and economic empowerment can go hand in hand.

With technological innovation, strong institutional support, and active community participation, the BarterWATER initiative is paving the way for a water-secure and environmentally responsible future, proving that sustainable solutions can be both impactful and scalable.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)