![A pond in Sollakpally that was restored as part of a project managed jointly by Novartis A pond in Sollakpally that was restored as part of a project managed jointly by Novartis](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-01/a-pond-in-sollakpally-that-was-restored-as-part-of-a-project-managed-jointly-by-novartis.jpg.webp?itok=8BL27Sh5)
Year after year the ground water level is rising,” said D. Kumarvelu, a senior director at NAF. “The water is flowing well and the people are enjoying it a lot. They are now using it to get two crops [per year]. Before, it was difficult for farmers to get a second crop. They are getting more compared with traditional methods. So people are earning good money because of the water that we store here. It’s a real time of economic growth in the villages.
![K. Balamani and her husband Malesh K. Balamani and her husband Malesh](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-01/k-balamani-and-her-husband-malesh.png.webp?itok=Qt6UtevD)
Because of the construction of these dams, our pits have more water,” said K. Balamani. “They have also tested the soil for us and they showed us how to farm without adding chemicals. They have shown us how to do farming at a low cost.
![K. Balamani (right) training young women in her sewing workshop. K. Balamani (right) training young women in her sewing workshop.](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-01/k-balamani-training-young-women-in-her-sewing-workshop.jpg.webp?itok=_bX6rWCF)
I can make sarees and blouses and I can do more business now. I'm also teaching other young people to make clothes using machines. I'm earning extra income by teaching. I'm happy with this. And I also want to educate my children. I'm doing well by using the sewing machine. I want to educate them to grow better and have a good life by doing hard work.
![Children washing their hands at their school in Imam Nagar. Children washing their hands at their school in Imam Nagar.](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-01/children-washing-their-hands-at-their-school-in-imam-nagar.jpg.webp?itok=_wOCzTWU)
Before the water wasn’t good,” said D. Kumarvelu of NAF. “It wasn’t filtered or boiled. Now, with the water filter, it is helping the children keep good health and they are not getting sick. The students are really happy.