Machhrauli is a village situated in the Nuh district of Haryana with a population of around 4,400. Water scarcity was causing a daily struggle in the village characterized by hardship and uncertainty. Access to drinking water was a big problem as the water supply pipeline in the village was broken in many places, causing the water to become contaminated. With the ingestion of polluted water leading to various health ailments, including gastrointestinal problems, infections, and skin issues due to harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxic chemicals, the villagers approached the sarpanch several times regarding this issue, but the situation remained unresolved.
In April 2023, TLG India Private Limited launched the Gram Uday VII project in Machhrauli village, implemented by S M Sehgal Foundation. Starting in May 2023, the project conducted monthly Village Leadership School (VLS) training sessions. VLS trainings provided information about government programs and prepared the community leaders to engage effectively with government departments to improve access to government facilities.
During a VLS session on October 9, 2023, Taofeq, Sehnaz, Sahoon, and other VLS members, brought up the water problem before the field assistant of the Gram Uday project. In response, the project representative provided information on the government’s Jal Jeevan Mission that is implemented by the Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED), and shared the helpline number of Jal Jeevan Mission. VLS members then reported the village drinking water problem on the Jal Jeevan Mission helpline.
Ten days later, PHED representatives visited the village, and VLS members joined them during their inspection and showed them the damaged pipes. Repair work commenced the next day! By November 14, 2023, the water problem was resolved, thanks to the combined efforts of the VLS members.
A VLS member stated, “Due to our collective efforts and with the guidance of the Gram Uday project representative, the drinking water problem in the village was resolved, for which we are thankful to the project team.”
(Story by Anita Devi, field assistant and Shashank Devra, program lead, Local Participation and Sustainability)
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