#13. Celebrated village basis development
Katli, a well known and celebrated village of Roopnagar district, situated on the banks of the river Satluj, 5km away from Ropar city. The village has 130 households and the estimated population of the village is 538. The village is celebrated basis the development it witnesses in the sewerage system of this village, 100% ODF, and the village’s streets and drains. A few years back there wasn’t any proper supply of water. Women had to carry water from a distance leading to consumption of time and energy.
The scheme was launched in 2011 with effective women participation. Women were the major beneficiaries of the scheme as they got to save a lot of time with the improved water supply. The village has 24*7 water supply in 126 connected houses out of 130, with water meters for all the connections. Women being very active also hold meetings at the end of the month to discuss the water supply schemes and concerns if any.
Mr Kamal Singh who is the Chairperson of the GPWSC of this village also plays a big role in this scheme. Men and women spend their precious time attending the meeting. Women water testing team has been formed in Katli village. Five women of this team conduct water testing in their village from time to time. Water testing is done at the waterworks every month. Anyone curious about the quality of water can conduct the test by themselves as they are provided with the information and other requirements. Everyone comes to waterworks to check the water quality. IEC & social activities are carried out by the Department of Water Supply and Sanitation to create awareness among the community on various themes including judicious use of water, the effective functioning of GPWSCs and regular payment of bills. At the same time, the trained women of the village are also giving training to other women in the village.
Women of the village have risen above the household chores in this prominent work of the village. Women have been playing a vital role in the success of the village. In addition, the village OHSR is also cleaned promptly by the village pump operator. The villagers are very happy with the 24*7 water supply. Water Consumption is billed at the rate of Rs 100 fixed for 10-kilo litre and Rs. *5/- per kilolitre thereafter. An amount of Rs. 3,80,000 /- is deposited in the savings account of the GPWSC Committee without any pending electricity bills. GPWSC convenes meetings to resolve and take decisions in case of any dispute. Villagers are happy with the scheme and are enjoying the benefits of safe drinking water.
Paani di Kahaani (ਪਾਣੀ ਦੀ ਕਹਾਣੀ) 