- Dhamtari’s Bendranwagaon Becomes a ‘Har Ghar Jal’ Certified Village
When water reaches the very courtyards and doorsteps of homes, it transforms more than just a life-sustaining amenity; it reshapes the village’s daily routine, hygiene standards, and the entire fabric of rural life. An exemplary instance of implementing government welfare schemes at the grassroots level through public participation has emerged from Bendranwagaon village in the Dhamtari development block. Leaving behind the compulsion to haul water from distant sources, Bendranwagaon has now been officially declared a ‘Har Ghar Jal’ (Tap Water in Every Home) certified village. It has become the 137th certified village in the Dhamtari development block. This achievement signifies more than just a formal certificate; it represents the successful delivery of clean drinking water via taps to every family in the village and a collective resolve to sustain this system.
The foundation of this success was laid through an excellent synergy between administrative efficiency and public participation. Following the completion of the scheme’s implementation, the village Sarpanch formally notified the Public Health Engineering Department on September 24, 2026. Subsequently, a special Gram Sabha was organized in the village on September 30, attended by Panchayat representatives, the Panchayat Secretary, prominent citizens, and a large number of villagers.
An Assistant Engineer from the Public Health Engineering Department attended the meeting to explain the scheme’s objectives, the water supply mechanism, and the intricacies of its operation and maintenance to the residents. The villagers expressed complete satisfaction with the new system; following this, the Sarpanch handed over the certification documents to the department, and the department issued the scheme’s handover letter to the Gram Panchayat. The most remarkable aspect of Bendranavagaon’s development journey is its shift from merely providing amenities to fostering self-reliance. The village will now take full charge of operating and maintaining the water supply system itself. Responsibility for this has been entrusted to the Village Water and Sanitation Committee (Pani Samiti). To ensure the scheme remains sustainable and self-sufficient, the Panchayat has fixed a monthly water charge of ₹70 per household. This revenue will cover electricity bills as well as the wages of the pump operator, electrician, and plumber working within the village.
The tap water connection reaching every home—an initiative of the government—has now become a shining example of community participation in Bendranavagaon. This journey demonstrates that when administrative commitment, strong Panchayat leadership, and active villager participation converge, development is not merely reflected in statistics; it is felt at the very doorstep of every home.