Safe and Clean Drinking Water for marginalized communities for Agricultural Labourers and Marginalized Communities in the Hilly Regions of Beed District :
The project aims to ensure safe and sustainable drinking water for agricultural labourers and marginalized communities living in the hilly and remote areas of Beed district by reviving existing drinking water sources.
Project Objectives
Objective 1
To build awareness and capacity among rural, hilly, and marginalized communities regarding the revival of existing non-functional water supply schemes, enabling optimal utilization of these schemes and making villages water-secure.
Objective 2
To revive existing defunct drinking water supply schemes, ensure water quality, and strengthen source sustainability so that villages achieve long-term water security.
Objective 3
To strengthen the institutional and technical capacity of Yuva Gram Vikas Mandal’s water supply programme, covering the entire supply chain—from resource development to the distribution of clean and safe drinking water.
Community Awareness Camps for Village-Level Project Concept Presentation
Community awareness camps were organized between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024. A total of six awareness camps were conducted during the year—three in January 2024 and three in July 2024.
These camps were held at public places with strong community participation. Around 350 individuals participated from the following hamlets:
- Kaluchi Wadi
- Sanap Vasti / Tandale Vasti
- Aicha Tanda
During the project identification process, three Water Management Groups were formed in each hamlet. Yuva Gram Vikas Mandal conducted awareness sessions on water scarcity and safe drinking water supply. The project objectives and activities were clearly explained to the community.
As a result, community participation increased significantly. The Water Management Groups have taken responsibility for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of water sources. The community collectively agreed to bear the costs required for maintaining the developed infrastructure.
Capacity Building Training for Village Water Management Group Leaders
Two training sessions were conducted between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024. Prior to the training, Barefoot Jal Technicians were identified, and three Water Management Groups were formally established with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
The primary objective of the training was to enhance the capacity of Water User Groups for managing drinking water and wastewater at the village level.
A total of 30 participants attended the two training sessions, including:
- 15 community members (5 from each hamlet)
- 5 staff members from Yuva Gram Vikas Mandal
The training included participatory sessions to help participants understand the local water scarcity situation and explore practical solutions.
Key topics covered included:
- Safe toilet usage
- Greywater management through kitchen gardens
- Water-borne diseases during the monsoon season
- Village health and overall well-being
Capacity Building Training for VWSC and Taluka-Level Water & Sanitation Committees
Two training sessions were organized in April 2024 and July 2024 at the Cultural Hall, Panchayat Samiti Office, Dharur. These sessions were conducted for:
- Village Water Management Groups
- Gram Panchayat members
- Statutory bodies such as the Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC)
A total of 87 participants attended the trainings, including 32 women and 55 men.
The objective of these trainings was to ensure project sustainability by strengthening the involvement of government systems in the project area and emphasizing community-led operation and maintenance (O&M) of water infrastructure.
Discussions focused on:
- Roles and responsibilities of VWSCs
- Importance of safe drinking water in daily life
- Guidelines and provisions under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
Convergence Workshop for Government Officials and Stakeholders
Yuva Gram Vikas Mandal, in collaboration with the Azim Premji Foundation, organized a convergence workshop at the Panchayat Samiti Office, Dharur. Participants included:
- Jal Jeevan Mission officials
- Government officers
- Leaders of Village Water Management Groups
- Gram Panchayat and committee representatives
The workshop began with a formal welcome of dignitaries. Project Coordinator Mr. Santosh Repe presented the project objectives and reviewed the progress achieved so far.
Resource person Mr. Anil Mahajan explained the structure and importance of village-level committees, particularly the role and responsibilities of Water Supply and Sanitation Committees. He highlighted shared accountability for water management and the importance of coordination between communities, institutions, and administration.
Mr. H. P. Deshmukh shared insights on the current drinking water situation, village water sources, water-wasting practices, and rural health conditions. He emphasized the importance of clean and safe drinking water, responsibilities associated with its use, and the need for safe drinking water at public institutions such as schools, temples, and anganwadi centres. He encouraged villagers to envision a sustainable water future for the next ten years.
The workshop was attended by 52 participants from Sanap Vasti, Kaluchi Wadi, Taranli, and Aicha Tanda, including community members, Gram Panchayat representatives, government officials, and staff of Yuva Gram Vikas Mandal.
Infrastructure Development in Taranli Village
2.1 Kaluchi Wadi
Multiple interventions were implemented to improve water supply and water quality in Kaluchi Wadi:
- Installation of 700 meters of pipeline
- Construction of a 6,000-litre water storage tank, ensuring regular and reliable water supply
- Desilting and deepening of a nearby stream (200 meters) to improve water flow and groundwater recharge
- Deepening and strengthening of the existing well
- Installation of a motor pump with necessary fittings for water extraction and distribution
These interventions have significantly improved both availability and quality of drinking water for residents.
2.2 Taranli Village – Tandale Vasti
Infrastructure development activities in this hamlet have been planned for the next year. Due to the lack of proper transportation access, the work has been temporarily postponed.
2.3 Pimperwada – Jaibhay Wadi (Aicha Tanda)
At Aicha Tanda:
- A 50-foot well deepening was completed
- 1,600 meters of pipeline was installed
- Three water storage tanks were constructed
With the use of appropriate machinery, these interventions have enabled a reliable and adequate water supply to the hamlet.