Objectives and Implementation

The primary goal of DART was to provide sustainable access to arsenic-free drinking water for communities relying on contaminated tubewells. The project employed a community-based approach, dividing the intervention areas into 62 units, each comprising 8–10 clusters of 40–50 households. This structure facilitated participatory planning and ensured that interventions were tailored to community needs.

Improved hygiene and WatSan awareness among the man, woman, and child in the selected urban slums. Increased access to safe, sustainable, and affordable water and sanitation facilities among the selected urban communities. Improved and sustainable use, operation and maintenance of the existing sanitation facilities Increase participation of the CBOs, local government institutions and other stakeholders for the effective implementation of programme activities in the selected areas.
The Deployment of Arsenic Removal Technologies (DART) project was a collaborative initiative between UNICEF and the NGO Forum for Drinking Water Supply & Sanitation, aimed at mitigating arsenic contamination in rural Bangladesh. Implemented from September 2006 to March 2009, the project focused on two highly affected upazilas: Damurhuda in Chuadanga District and Sarail in Brahmanbaria District. The Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) oversaw the project, while the NGO Forum managed on-the-ground implementation through its 14 regional offices.
 

Technologies Deployed

DART introduced several arsenic removal technologies to the affected communities, including

• ALCAN filters: Utilizing activated alumina for arsenic adsorption

• READ-F filters: A locally developed filtration system.

• SONO filters: A household-level filter using composite iron matrix.

• SIDKO filters: Community-based filtration units.

These technologies were distributed based on community demand and assessed for sustainability and user acceptance.

Impact and Outcomes

The DART project significantly contributed to arsenic mitigation efforts by

• Enhancing community awareness about arsenic contamination and safe water practices.

• Facilitating the adoption of arsenic removal technologies through community engagement.

• Monitoring water quality to ensure the effectiveness of the implemented solutions.

The project's participatory approach and emphasis on sustainable technology use have informed subsequent arsenic mitigation initiatives in Bangladesh.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the NGO Forum's official documentation on the DART project.