- Clean drinking water reaches the homes of 25 families who depend on rivers and streams.
- Regular water supply from solar powered tank
A new ray of development has emerged in the remote and inaccessible Abujhmad region of Chhattisgarh. The effective implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission has completely transformed the lives of villagers in Kasturmeta village, located approximately 80 kilometers from the district headquarters, Narayanpur. Once dependent on rivers, streams, and mountain springs for drinking water, this village has now become one of the few villages in the country where safe and clean drinking water is available through taps in every household.
- ‘Women got freedom from miles of travel and contaminated water’
Before the launch of the Jal Jeevan Mission, clean drinking water was a major challenge for the villagers of Kasturmeta. Women in the village had to travel several kilometers daily to fetch water from water sources. This laborious task wasted considerable time and labor, directly impacting their families’ livelihoods and their children’s education. Furthermore, drinking contaminated river and drain water constantly posed a threat of waterborne diseases among the villagers. Following
the Collector’s strict instructions, a special action plan was developed under the Jal Jeevan Mission to permanently address this fundamental and long-standing problem. Despite the remote location, the administration constructed infrastructure. Given the uncertainties in electricity supply in the village, a solar-powered water tank with a capacity of 10,000 liters was installed. A pipeline of approximately 2,700 meters was laid through the rough roads. All 25 families in the village were connected to direct tap connections, ensuring a regular drinking water supply.
The women of Kasturmeta village said that tap water access to every home is saving them both time and effort. They are now falling ill less frequently and are able to use the spare time for farming and other household chores.
- ‘Improving health and organising water festival in every home’
Since the success of the scheme, the face of the village has transformed. Access to clean water has rapidly improved the health of the villagers, and seasonal illnesses have significantly decreased. To mark this historic change, a “City of Water Festival” was recently organized in the village. Through the Gram Sabha, villagers were made aware of water purity, water conservation, and maintaining the cleanliness of water sources. During this meeting, in the presence of public representatives and officials, the villagers also pledged to preserve the water heritage.
This success of Jal Jeevan Mission in Kasturmeta, situated at the far end of remote Abujhmad, is a living example of how government schemes are now bringing positive and lasting change in the lives of citizens living even in the most vulnerable and remote areas of the state.
