The true test of development is when it reaches the most marginalized in society. Dhobe village in Abujhmad, nestled among dense forests and rugged hills, about 94 kilometers from the Narayanpur district headquarters in Chhattisgarh, has today become a living example of this changing India and Chhattisgarh. Once known for Naxalite activities and a lack of development, the Jal Jeevan Mission has brought a new dawn of hope. For the first time, pure drinking water has reached every household in this remote region of Abujhmad, transforming the entire landscape of the villagers’ lives.
For
years, the villagers of Dhobe village began their mornings with a struggle for water. Being in a highly inaccessible area, education, healthcare, and infrastructure were a major challenge, even accessing clean drinking water was a major challenge. The villagers were entirely dependent on local rivers, streams, and springs for drinking water. This water flowing from the mountains was not only contaminated, but its use also left the villagers vulnerable to waterborne diseases. Women and children, in particular, spent a significant amount of time hauling drinking water.
“Jal Jeevan Mission – This is how the picture of Dhobe village changed.”
Recognizing this decades-old and highly sensitive problem for the villagers, the district administration and the Jal Jeevan Mission team stepped into this challenging area. Overcoming adverse geographical conditions and security challenges, work began in the village in a planned manner.
To address the erratic electricity supply, two solar-powered water tanks with a capacity of 10,000 liters each were installed. A 1375-meter-long pipeline was laid through rugged roads and dense forests. All 40 families in the village were connected to tap water connections under the “Shahar Ghar Jal” scheme.
“Development reaches the last mile,”
the Narayanpur Collector said on this success, stating that the government’s priority is to ensure the provision of basic amenities to remote and formerly Naxal-affected areas. Providing pure drinking water in remote areas like Abujhmad through the Jal Jeevan Mission is a historic and significant step towards improving the living standards of villagers. The district administration is ensuring that the benefits of every scheme reach the last person with complete transparency.
“A New Knock of Happiness – Life Made Easier.”
Today, when clean and cool water flows from the taps installed in the courtyards of every household in Dhobe village, the joy on the faces of the villagers is palpable. Now, they no longer have to walk miles for water, nor do they fear illness due to contaminated water.
Expressing their gratitude to the state government and district administration, the villagers emotionally remarked, “We never imagined that clean tap water would ever reach our remote village. This government effort has made our daily lives much easier. This is not just water for us, but a new life for us.” The Jal Jeevan Mission has not only provided water here, but has also instilled in the villagers an unshakable faith in the government and the system.”
