Walking far away in search of drinking water is everyday quest for the people of Biba village from Melghat region of Amravati District. They were following the same routine for the last 13 years.

The village had water tank and well, but without motor pump and pipelines to pump the water for supplying to the village. The need was genuine but no one was ready to raise the voice for their right. Even the Sarpanch (elected head of a village), Gram Panchayat (village council) and Gram Sevak (village council secretary) was unconcerned about the issue.

Caritas India is working in this area to achieve food and nutrition security for Korkus tribe through Sabal programme.

The programme also plays a catalyst role in empowering communities and activating local self-governance institutions to be more accountable and approachable.

Mangal Chatur, Nutrition Health Worker (NHW) of SABAL programme discussed the various social issues, problems and challenges with the villagers and suggested to raise collective voice for the common cause. He sensitized villagers and formed different community based organizations in the village.

He suggested women to submit written application to Sarpanch and Gramsevak at Gramsabha meeting to resolve their drinking water issue.

The advice was taken seriously by women collective group and drafted the application for solving the water problem in the village.

On August 15, 2017 Gramsabha, women from every house came forward to attend the meeting and submitted their application to Sarpanch and Gram Sevak.

Immediate action was taken by the authorities and within a month motor pump and pipelines were installed to supply water in the village.

Now the motor is fixed in the well and water pipe line connections are given, the people at Biba village have sufficient safe drinking water in the village and they don’t have to go far away to fetch drinking water.

“This is a great achievement for our village and now we feel that strength lies in unity”, says Mothers Collective Group, from Biba village.