In a remarkable testament to effective governance, the Jal Jeevan Mission has revolutionized water access in Mangamar, a remote village in Chhattisgarh’s Korba district, delivering tap water to every household and ending decades of scarcity.
Transformative Infrastructure Milestone
Located 53 kilometers from the district headquarters, Mangamar’s population exceeding 2,500 now enjoys pure drinking water at home, thanks to a Rs 1.45 crore retrofitting project completed under the mission. This includes a high capacity overhead water tank, 3,700 meters of pipelines, and 522 individual household connections, fully eliminating reliance on handpumps and wells.
Previously, summer water crises forced long queues and hours of toil, especially for women burdened with fetching supplies from depleting sources. Today, regular supply has streamlined daily routines, freeing time for family care, child education, and income generating activities while curbing waterborne diseases through assured purity.
Empowering Women and Rural Health
The shift profoundly impacts women, who once endured physical strain amid acute shortages; now, they channel efforts into productive pursuits, fostering household stability and community progress. Health improvements are evident, with reduced incidences of ailments linked to contaminated sources, marking a new era in rural sanitation.
| Project Components | Scale | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Overhead Tank | High capacity (40 KL equivalent) | Reliable storage, gravity fed supply |
| Pipeline Network | 3,700 meters | Universal coverage, no leakage issues |
| Household Taps | 522 connections | Dignity, time savings for 2,500+ residents |
Mangamar exemplifies Jal Jeevan Mission’s nationwide goal of Har Ghar Jal by 2024, extended through retrofitting in challenging terrains like Chhattisgarh’s tribal belts. Korba district’s progress, including functionality assessments and community training, underscores convergence with MGNREGA for sustainable water security.
This initiative not only quenches thirst but ignites development, proving infrastructure investments yield exponential social returns in underserved areas.
