Kalapani and Bhandri are remote villages situated in Chikhaldara block, Amravati district, Maharashtra. A year ago, both these villages lacked a basic water supply. Residents used to travel long distances in undulating terrain to collect water. Neither the households nor the Anganwadi centers had water connections within the premises. About 63 children attend the Bhandri Anganwadi while 23 children attend the Kalapani center. The parents of these children are the residents of the respective villages, who work as daily labourers in the fields and brick kilns.
Water For People India team visited both villages and undertook the baseline survey. In terms of water availability, both the villages faced similar problems – a dysfunctional water supply system. Besides, neither village had water connection in their respective Anganwadi centres. The Anganwadi sevikas had to walk to the nearest well to collect water for daily activities. This took 1-2 hours which would hamper their daily chores and delay the preparation of mid-day meals.
In collaboration with Colgate Palmolive (India) Limited, Water For People India provisioned for water supply at household level in both the villages. The Anganwadi centres got water connections within the premises as well. Mrs. Asha Chimote, Anganwadi Sevika in Bhandri village, says, “Initially, we used to bring water from long distances for the children in the Anganwadi. It took one complete day for us to bring the water needed for the preparation of meals, handwashing, drinking, and sanitation of children. Sometimes the water would not be enough, especially during summers. Now with a water connection available at the center, I don’t have to walk miles to collect water. I can easily prepare the meals on time and get children cleaned within the center.”
Mrs. Parvati Khade, Anganwadi sevika in Kalapani, seconds the opinion of Mrs. Asha. Being the sole female member of her household, she adds, “Now I don’t have to worry about water availability in the Anganwadi and at my house. We can now complete our household chores on time with a sense of happiness and assurance of a water secure future.”
