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- Topics
- Feature
- Opportunities & Events
- Data
- Hindi Portal
Khadkiya Ghat village, located under Bhanpura Panchayat in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a community grappling with water scarcity and health issues to one thriving with access to clean drinking water. This change has largely been fueled by the initiatives of the Dehradun-based Centre for Business and Entrepreneurial Development (CBED) and supported financially by Frank Water, UK. This case study highlights the journey of Durgabai Muwel, a 41-year-old villager, and her family, illustrating the significant impact of these efforts on the entire community.
For over a decade, the residents of Khadkiya Ghat relied on hand pumps for their water supply. Unfortunately, this water was often contaminated with fluoride, leading to severe health problems, including yellowing of teeth and joint pain. Durgabai, like many others in the village, faced the daily challenge of fetching water from distant sources, consuming valuable time and hindering her family's ability to maintain hygiene and cleanliness.
Durgabai recalls, “Earlier, women had to fetch water from wells located far away, which took a lot of time. They often experienced headaches and body aches due to the effort. The lack of water made it difficult to bathe, wash clothes, and maintain cleanliness, both personally and in the home. Bathing would only happen every 2 to 3 days, and they couldn’t use soap due to time constraints. Housekeeping also fell behind because of the time required for these tasks.”
The introduction of a functional tap water supply system under the Jal Jeevan Mission, facilitated by CBED, marked a turning point for the village. Durgabai shared, “Since the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission in our village, we have saved a lot of time, and we are very happy. Our work has become much easier as water now comes to every household. We are saving time, and the effort that once took a long time has significantly reduced. This has made all our tasks much simpler.”
In January 2024, a team from CBED visited Khadkiya Ghat to raise awareness about the importance of fluoride-safe drinking water. They educated the villagers about the dangers of drinking water from hand pumps and tube wells, emphasising the need to prioritise well water. This awareness extended to promoting cleanliness and the judicious use of water, leading to significant changes in the community's attitudes and behaviours.
CBED played a crucial role in empowering the community by providing essential information about health and hygiene. This knowledge enabled villagers to make informed choices regarding their water sources, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of water conservation and sanitation.
Community meetings facilitated by CBED encouraged open dialogue among residents, particularly women, who shared their experiences and concerns regarding water management and sanitation. This capacity-building approach enabled families to implement better sanitation measures, leading to enhanced health outcomes.
In addition to knowledge, CBED provided tangible resources, such as plants for environmental awareness, promoting a sense of responsibility towards the environment and encouraging villagers to engage in community greening efforts.
CBED also played a vital role in connecting villagers with government programs. Proposals for tree plantation, bunding, compost pits, and groundwater recharge have been submitted to the Gram Panchayat for sanctions, further supporting the village's development initiatives.
Durgabai has observed profound changes in her life and outlook due to the improved availability of water. With reliable access to clean water, she now has more time to focus on her family’s health and well-being. The burden of water collection has significantly lessened, allowing her to maintain cleanliness in her home and actively participate in community activities.
Empowered by her newfound knowledge, Durgabai has emerged as an advocate for hygiene and sanitation, sharing her insights with other women in the village. Her increased confidence has enabled her to participate actively in community discussions, promoting better health practices and encouraging unity among villagers.
The positive changes in water availability have significantly impacted other women in Khadkiya Ghat. They have begun to unite to tackle common issues, sharing knowledge and resources. This collective effort has strengthened their voices and empowered them to address community challenges more effectively.
Men in the village have also felt the effects of these changes. They are now more engaged in community development efforts, supporting initiatives that foster village progress. The shared experience of improved water access has created a stronger sense of community, with residents collaborating on various projects.
The transformation of Khadkiya Ghat village illustrates the profound impact that access to safe drinking water can have on a community. For Durgabai and her family, the changes have been life-altering, fostering empowerment, health, and engagement in community affairs. As the village continues to thrive, the collective efforts of its residents, especially women, have become pivotal in driving development and improving the quality of life for all. This case study serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of water access in shaping healthier, more resilient communities.
The project was supported by Frank Water