Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (MS)
Bantwal, Sep 20: Six women from the Chiguru Sanjeevini Federation of Vitlamudnoor gram panchayat in the taluk have constructed more than 200 rainwater harvesting pits to increase groundwater levels by directing rainwater from the hills into these pits during the monsoon season.
These pits, built at Kundadka Kushalanagara, are expected to provide significant benefits during the summer months. The area consists of 1.8 acres of cemetery land, of which only 50 cents are used for cremation and burial, while the remaining area contains a cashew farm. The gram panchayat decided to construct the rainwater harvesting pits under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NAREGA). Upon communication to the Sanjeevini Federation, with the aim of providing employment to the village women, six members of the federation dug pits measuring six feet in length, two feet in width, and two feet in depth.
Under the NAREGA scheme for the current financial year, Rs 300 was set for each pit, providing employment to these women within their village. So far, they have been paid Rs 52,350 in wages, with the remaining amount to be disbursed soon. The women were able to purchase essential items with the earnings from their work under the NAREGA scheme.
In 2022-23, members of the Sanjeevini Federation constructed 180 rainwater harvesting pits on the land of Madhava Nayak, cleared silt from the stormwater drain at Parambooku near Amai Balakrishna Gowda’s house in Kambalabettu, and removed silt from the stormwater drain in Hoige Shantimaaru in 2023-24.
The construction of rainwater harvesting pits has contributed to raising groundwater levels and preventing soil erosion. Additionally, the water levels in nearby wells and borewells on farmers' lands are expected to increase.
The Chiguru Sanjeevini Federation began its work three years ago in Vitlamudnoor gram panchayat. Women who were previously unemployed have gained work opportunities through the NAREGA scheme. Some members are now involved in bakery product preparation, while others have become self-reliant through jasmine cultivation. They plan to plant arecanut saplings in the coming days.
Sachin Kumar, CEO of the Bantwal taluk panchayat, said, “The members of the Chiguru Sanjeevini Federation of Vitlamudnoor gram panchayat serve as a model for others through the construction of rainwater harvesting pits.”
Vishwanath B, assistant director of Bantwal taluk panchayat, added, “There is a provision to construct rainwater harvesting pits under the NAREGA project for both personal and public use. Those interested can apply to the gram panchayat.”
Puneet Madathar, President of Vitlamudnoor gram panchayat, stated, “The members of our gram panchayat federation have constructed rainwater harvesting pits under the NAREGA scheme. We will continue working to ensure that government schemes help women achieve self-reliance.”
Sujaya, PDO of Vitlamudnoor gram panchayat, said, “The women of the federation, with the cooperation of the gram panchayat administrative board, have constructed rainwater harvesting pits under NAREGA. The efforts of gram panchayat staff have also been vital in implementing the NAREGA project.”