L&T’s Unnati Project: Advancing Rural Development Through Water Access, Sanitation, and Community Participation

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Larsen & Toubro’s Unnati Project, part of its Integrated Community Development Programme (ICDP), is making a measurable impact in rural India by focusing on essential infrastructure—starting with water access and expanding into sanitation, health, education, and livelihoods. Designed as a multi-phase, community-led initiative, the project aims to empower villages by addressing critical development needs through sustainable and inclusive practices.

Unnati begins its engagement in regions facing acute water scarcity through watershed development and water conservation strategies. Once a village achieves a degree of water security, the program moves to its next phases, introducing sanitation and other services needed for holistic development. The approach aligns with national goals such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan while emphasizing local leadership and long-term community involvement.

In the second year of its four-year cycle, Unnati introduces sanitation infrastructure. Community members are involved at every step—from planning and design to construction and maintenance. The program has made a significant impact across 70 villages in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, leading to the construction of 4,456 toilets under the initiative. Additionally, 2,719 more toilets were independently built by families motivated by the program’s model, contributing to improved sanitation. As a result, 41 villages across the three states have been declared open defecation-free.Youth from the villages are trained in construction skills such as masonry, enabling local employment and ensuring infrastructure upkeep. Women are central to decision-making and household adoption. In Rajasthan, toilets are marked with the names of the women who led their implementation—symbolizing recognition and local ownership.

In Coimbatore, the initiative—run in partnership with the National Agro Foundation—has benefited over 8,000 individuals. Activities extend beyond sanitation to include clean water access, agricultural support, and capacity building. These interventions work together to create an ecosystem of progress tailored to each village’s needs.

Unnati is not a one-off intervention; it is a long-term, structured development model that strengthens community capability, promotes dignity, and drives sustainable results. To build awareness and amplify its message, L&T has partnered with KK Create on a campaign that highlights real stories and voices from participating villages, showing how improved sanitation directly contributes to better health, social equity, and quality of life. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is a leading Indian multinational conglomerate with a strong presence across multiple industries, including engineering, construction, manufacturing, technology, and financial services. Known for its commitment to innovation and excellence, L&T has played a pivotal role in transforming India’s infrastructure landscape.

The company has delivered landmark projects in sectors such as transportation, power, water, and heavy engineering, earning a reputation for its technical expertise and project execution capabilities. L&T’s strategic focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and smart technologies has enabled it to maintain a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

L&T’s diversified portfolio also includes significant contributions to the aerospace, defense, and IT sectors. The company’s robust research and development capabilities ensure it remains at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies, from automation to artificial intelligence.

With a global footprint spanning across 30+ countries, L&T continues to expand its operations and strengthen its position as a trusted partner for large-scale infrastructure and technology projects. The company is deeply committed to sustainable growth, consistently implementing green practices and eco-friendly solutions in its operations.