In a remarkable tale of community-driven change, the residents of Durgapur village of Samserganj in West Bengal have come together to combat the vices of water theft and to ensure the equitable distribution of potable water.
Durgapur village had grappled with a persistent problem – an unequal distribution of water. A handful of villagers had resorted to water theft, illegally tapping into the piped water supply, while others suffered due to a lack of access to clean drinking water. The situation was exacerbated by the use of motors and tulu-pumps to store piped water in private tanks, leaving many families at the end of the delivery system with inadequate water supply.
The turning point for Kadam village came with the intervention of IMAGIN, as ISA of JJM in the district . A team of dedicated volunteers with the help of officials from Public Health and Engineering Department, Government of West Bengal , including teachers, students, and community leaders, joined forces to raise awareness about the adverse effects of water theft and to empower the villagers to address this pressing issue. The cumulative efforts fostered a collective understanding of the need for responsible water usage.
The ISA team members worked closely with the community to identify households with illegal tap connections. Instead of confrontation, they employed empathy and understanding, removing these unauthorized connections and replacing them with legal ones. This collaborative approach signified the village’s commitment to transformation. During special drives, officials from WBPHED and ISA members visited 8 houses and disconnected Tulu pumps and motors.
Now the villagers have secured equitable access to clean, potable water for generations to come, underscoring the profound impact of community-led initiatives in addressing complex challenges.
ISA Team informed that in other parts of Murshidabad District also IMAGIN workers and volunteers are working together to build up community awareness on water .
