- The picture of forest villages has changed due to the developed India Ji-Ram Ji scheme.
- Strong support for employment and livelihood with water conservation
The Vikasit Bharat Ji-Ram Ji scheme, being implemented in Chhattisgarh by linking water conservation with public participation and rural development, is becoming the basis for positive change in remote forest areas. The success of Kalamanjal Gram Panchayat in the Odgi development block of Surajpur district is an inspiring example of how planned water conservation and community participation can transform both the image and destiny of a village.
Kalamanjal was once a village where most of the rainwater flowed away, and water sources began to dry up as summer approached. Villagers faced long-term difficulties in meeting basic needs like drinking water, water for livestock, and agriculture. Water scarcity became the biggest concern for the people here.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the state government has recognized water conservation as a key pillar of rural prosperity. In line with this vision, the district administration has constructed contour trenches and gabion check dams on a large scale.
These structures effectively captured rainwater and infiltrated it into the ground. They also controlled soil erosion and stopped forest debris from reaching the dam. This not only protected water sources but also made them cleaner and safer.
Village resident Mr. Manohar Singh explains that previously, finding water during the summer was a major problem for villagers. Watering cattle and farming became difficult. Now, the same water source is available year-round. Villagers use this water for drinking, bathing, washing clothes, watering cattle, and fishing.
According to Mr. Arjun Singh, Sarpanch of the Gram Panchayat, this project not only conserved water but also provided employment to over 250 workers. The involvement of local people in the construction work has also strengthened the rural economy.
Today, Kalamanjal’s water resources are richer than ever before, and villagers appear confident about their future. Farming prospects have expanded, water availability for livestock has been ensured, and additional livelihood activities like fishing have also been promoted.
The villagers expressed their gratitude to the state government and the district administration for this positive change and said that now their village is moving forward on a new path of development with the assurance of water in every season.
