Jeevan Rekha Parishad from Odisha, India, joins the Blue Community.
Jeevan Rekha Parishad (JRP), otherwise known as ‹Lifeline Council› is an independent, secular, non-governmental research and development grass-root organization working for peace, solidarity, human rights and sustainable livelihood issues in Odisha state, one of the least developed and poorest states of India. Established in 1993, JRP is working since more than 30 years throughout five districts of Odisha (Khordha, Puri, Bhadrak, Cuttack and Nayagarh) in thematic areas as health, education, peace, human rights, good governance, child rights, climate justice, environment protection, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood. The organization has its own building and infrastructure and builds on a team of dedicated volunteers and staff.
JRP declares: Addressing the critical issues of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and nutrition in Odisha is essential for improving public health, enhancing educational outcomes, reducing economic burdens, and achieving sustainable development including human rights. We aim to leverage strategic efforts to raise awareness, influence policy, and empower community participation in addressing these challenges effectively. JRP works with policymakers to promote legislation prioritizing public health and addressing WASH and nutrition health risks, and we work on establishing an Odisha WASH and Nutrition Forum to advocate for state-level policies and programs on WASH and nutrition.
Water, sanitation & hygiene (WASH) are core activities of JRP. In its strategy, JRP states: «Strengthen the ecosystem for a life of dignity for all: enhance fundamental services such as water, sanitation, housing, healthcare, and education for the most marginalized communities.» In its Wash & Nutrition Program, JRP implements the Project WELL (Water Environment and Livelihood Promotion). The project aims to improve water resources, the environment, and local livelihoods for indigenous tribal people in Daspalla, Odisha, India, focussing on providing sustainable water supply, developing farm management systems, and addressing health and hygiene issues in the target villages of Mitukuli, Bandarsahi, and Harijansahi.
JRP also takes part in the ‹Plastic Bottle Free› Campaign in Odisha, especially in urban Bhubaneswar, Chilika Lagoon etc.
Dr. Manoranjan Mishra, director of JRP, celebrates the affiliation to the Blue Community:
«Joining the Blue Community empowers you to advocate for water as a human right and promote sustainable water management practices. It connects you with a global network of activists, experts, and communities committed to WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and climate resilience. Through shared knowledge and resources, you can strengthen local actions and amplify your impact. Being part of the Blue Community helps raise awareness about the links between water justice and climate change. It also offers opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and funding to drive meaningful change in vulnerable communities.»
The Blue Community Network welcomes Jeevan Rekha Parishad (JRP) as its second partner organisation in India. Like UDYAMA, joining the Blue Community in May 2025, JRP is a member of the UNICEF led Youth for Water Plus Network. The two Blue Communities already cooperate for events around World Environment Day, Beekeeping Day, and World Water Day.
Blue Community co-founder Maude Barlow says:
«South Asia is a region that has been greatly affected by climate change and the water crisis. I am very happy to see the Blue Community developing quickly here. A lot of effort will be needed to defend water from pollution and profiteering. With JRP, a second strong organisation in India has partnered with the Blue Community, and I hope that the whole region will turn blue, one city, one university and one organisation at a time. Welcome to JPR, and I extend a warm invitation to many more to join.»
The Blue Community Network looks forward to working together with JRP to promote the human right to water and sanitation, to campaign for water as a common good and to defend it against commodification and commercialization, and – an issue of paramount importance to India – to strive for good quality tap water for all, everywhere, banning bottled water and plastic pollution. JRP as a highly experienced and committed Blue Community will help to further spread our values and the network throughout the country and the subcontinent.
