• Nearly 1,800 students and 310 individuals to gain access to improved sanitation infrastructure

Bengaluru, June 13th 2025 - Habitat for Humanity India, a leading housing non-profit organisation, has collaborated with ExxonMobil Services & Technology Private Limited for a WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiative in Anekal, Bengaluru.

The initiative will strengthen sanitation infrastructure for marginalised communities and government schools in the region. It will support 62 families with household sanitation units. Additionally, 7 government schools will benefit from the sanitation infrastructure, including dedicated handwash stations in 3 schools, positively impacting nearly 1,800 students.

As part of the initiative, the sanitation units constructed for the families were formally handed over in the presence of Mr. Shashank Shekhar, CSR Lead, ExxonMobil Services & Technology Private Limited, Ms. Salonika Misra, CSR team member, ExxonMobil Services & Technology Private Limited, Habitat India staff, families, the school staff and students in Anekal, Bengaluru. The handover marked a significant step in restoring dignity and promoting health and hygiene practices among marginalised communities.

“Access to safe and reliable sanitation facilities is critical to improving public health and community well-being,” said Anand Bolimera, National Director, Habitat for Humanity India. “We are making a tangible difference in the lives of families and students by helping create healthier, more secure environments.”

The project provides critical support to the Hakki Pikki community – a tribal group listed as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group in Anekal,

“It was especially challenging for women in our community to find safe sanitation spaces. There was always the risk of encountering elephants and other wild animals. The sanitation unit built for us has brought a real sense of dignity and ease to our daily lives,” said Hawarani, a resident of Hakki Pikki Colony, Anekal.

“Earlier, our sanitation facilities offered little privacy or protection. We often felt unsafe and uncomfortable,” said Hasini, a 5th-grade student at Government Lower Primary School, Sampige Halli. “The new toilet is secure and gives us the privacy we need. Now, I feel confident and safe at school.”

“We see this as a great opportunity to create a meaningful impact with Habitat India’s support,” said Shashank Shekhar, CSR Lead, ExxonMobil Services & Technology Private Limited. “This initiative is about enabling dignity and reducing health risks for our communities, especially women and children.”

This initiative is a significant step in Habitat for Humanity India’s ongoing work to support marginalised communities through shelter, WASH and disaster response initiatives. By building improved sanitation infrastructure, the project also raises awareness about hygiene and helps create a cleaner, safer, and more equitable environment for all.

About Habitat for Humanity India

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity India began in 1983 as a grassroots effort. The housing organisation has since grown to become a leading housing nonprofit that has helped over 57,000 underprivileged families in India build or improve a place they can call home. Through its housing, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and disaster risk reduction and response programmes, Habitat for Humanity India has positively impacted the lives of more than 3.6 million people.

Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower.

To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit www.habitatindia.org.

For Media Inquiries:

Ritwik Sawant, Director – Communications, Habitat for Humanity India
Email: [email protected]