Community mobilization proves key to rural water supply success in Bundelkhand

By Bharat Dogra 

In the Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh, a new piped water network is bringing tap water to villages, offering tremendous relief—particularly for women who no longer bear the daily burden of fetching water. However, the transition has not been smooth, and numerous challenges persist. Many villages remain without tap water, while in others, certain hamlets or households have been left out.

Jaipal Singh Yadav, sarpanch of Kulua village in Niwari district, explains: "From early morning, I start getting calls from different parts of the village—'Sarpanch Ji, there is no water in my tap today.' If one person is getting water, another is not. Often I am helpless, yet expected to solve problems immediately. What exactly can I do?"

He continues: "The reality is that in villages without adequate water sources, five villages are grouped together for supply from a common source. The village where the main tank is located gets priority supply, while those farther away or supplied later receive less water—some households may even be deprived entirely. There are also local issues: influential people may try to draw more water, but when it's time to pay maintenance charges, the same person might say, 'Don't you know I am a leader?'"

To address these challenges, community involvement in implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has proven essential. In hundreds of Bundelkhand villages, this has been greatly facilitated by Jal Sahelis—a cadre of women volunteers mobilized and trained by the voluntary organization Parmarth to lead water and sanitation initiatives.

Lakshmi Kushwaha, a Jal Saheli from Bahera village, Niwari, shares: "The pipeline in our village became choked early on. We Jal Sahelis made persistent efforts for timely repair. The problem was eventually resolved by removing external elements that had gotten stuck in the pipelines."

Sudha Ahirwar from Churari village recounts: "Pipeline work was being delayed in our village for unclear reasons. We mobilized people for a dharna (sit-in) and refused to leave until we received a firm promise that pipeline and water supply work would commence soon." She adds that while progress was later satisfactory, some households were left out, so Jal Sahelis continued their efforts to ensure every household gained access.

Difficulties often arise in extending water supply to adivasi settlements, which tend to be located in remote, hilly, or higher areas where water infrastructure is harder to install. In the adivasi hamlet of Baghaura, Babina block (Jhansi district, Uttar Pradesh), several women were still fetching water from hand-pumps despite pipelines being installed—only three households in the hamlet received water. It appeared that an influential person in another settlement had tampered with valves to restrict supply.

In contrast, in Anthodhna village of the same block, the adivasi hamlet was the first to receive tap water. However, most villagers are still waiting for water in their taps. Jal Sahelis and the wider water council (pani panchayat), formed with community support, are now mobilizing to ensure satisfactory water access for all households.

As tap water reaches villages, there is a risk that traditional water sources may be neglected. However, these sources remain vital for water security, meeting needs during pipeline disruptions, providing for animals and irrigation, and maintaining the water table.

Sanjay Singh, Secretary of Parmarth, emphasizes: "We have always prioritized the protection of water sources in all our work and trainings."

Jaipal Yadav adds: "Any village that neglects the protection and maintenance of its water sources is actually sowing the seeds of its own destruction."

In this context, the role of Jal Sahelis is especially significant, as they have received training in water conservation and have been actively involved in actions to save and protect water sources.

Kulua: A Village Leads with Hope-Giving Initiatives

Kulua village in Niwari district is home to an ancient and once-famous water tank known for its excellent water collection potential and beautiful lotus flowers. However, in recent years, lack of repairs had led to significant deterioration, with nearly half the water being lost.

Parmarth, in cooperation with the Kulua panchayat, undertook the repair and renovation of this tank. The work was carried out in close consultation with villagers to ensure that lessons from past damage guided the choice of materials and methods. Local expertise was crucial—different types of soil were used for lower repair work to ensure stability, while a different soil was applied to the upper surface to prevent slipping. Jal Sahelis helped mobilize community support and participation. A secure gathering place was also created on one side of the tank for women during festivals.

Manoj Pal, who supervised the repair, noted that community involvement helped achieve excellent results at relatively low cost.

The restoration also includes planting a garden near the tank, envisioned as an "oxygen garden." Himanshu Nayak of Parmarth explains: "While fruit trees and utility trees are usually emphasized, here we prioritized trees locally associated with fresh air and health benefits. Of the 125 trees planted, nearly half are peepal trees. The second priority is Pakhar trees (similar to banyan). We also planted fruit trees like mango, blackberry, Indian gooseberry, and guava. This garden will benefit people, animals, and birds. With a water-body nearby, a very favorable microclimate can be created, potentially attracting more migratory birds."

Villagers expressed that if big cities can have gardens, villages too should aspire to have their own spaces for walking and exercise. Officials attending the inauguration were impressed by the beautiful lotus flowers and suggested that as the trees mature, the site will become known for its scenic beauty and healthy environment, attracting visitors beyond the village.

Beyond aesthetics, the restoration promises livelihood support through increased irrigation opportunities and availability of lotus products. Prospects for improved fisheries are also being explored, with discussion of introducing fish that help keep water clean.

Sarpanch Jaipal Yadav praised the multi-faceted contributions of these efforts to village welfare, including improving the water table. "Water conservation like this is the foundation of improved water supply in villages," he said.

The school in Kulua has also benefited from Parmarth's support, with installation of a model water and sanitation system. The local well has been repaired, water coolers provide cold water to children and teachers, and modern toilet facilities have been created. Sanitary napkins are readily available for girl students.

A digital library has been established—a well-equipped, air-conditioned room with internet connectivity and about 20 cabins, each with storage for notebooks or bags. School students can use it during school hours, while before and after school, village youth—especially those preparing for competitive examinations—can access this facility. Many young people currently lack proper study conditions at home, and this initiative meets a critical need.

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The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include "Man over Machine," "Navjeevan," "Planet in Peril," and "Protecting Earth for Children." Website: bharatdogra.in | YouTube: Bharat Dogra Save Earth Campaign