‘Basudha Rath’, meaning ‘Chariot of Mother Earth’ in Odia, is a mobile audiovisual van that showcases engaging educational videos and songs in Odia, Saura, and Kui for rural communities in remote villages.

The 2023 screenings featured entertaining plays and songs emphasising the importance of maintaining a clean environment, community-owned household piped water supply, sanitation and hygiene practices, and wastewater and solid waste management.

A village takes charge

Following Basudha Rath’s visit to Chikarada, the Village Development Committee (VDC) took decisive action to strengthen the village’s water supply system by assuming full responsibility for managing piped water to all households.

In a village meeting, the VDC proposed collecting a monthly maintenance fee from each household to reduce dependence on the Panchayat for repairs and ensure a regular, uninterrupted water supply. To formalise this shift, they sought community consent and approached the Sarpanch for official transfer of responsibilities.

The committee also met with Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) department officials to request urgent pipeline repairs and installations for left-out households. A resident was appointed to oversee regular water quality testing to ensure safe, clean water access.

Sarpanch G. Asantul Reddy shared, “The RWSS repaired the old pipelines and extended new ones to households that previously lacked tap connections. As a result, every home in Chikarada now has piped water, including bathrooms and toilets.”

Every household gets piped water

Today, the village independently manages and maintains its water infrastructure. The VDC, composed equally of women and men, oversees daily operations and maintenance.

Sasmita Mohanty, 40, VDC President, said, “Earlier, the Panchayat maintained the infrastructure and paid electricity bills for the water pump. Now, all 700 households contribute ₹40 monthly. A pump operator receives ₹5,000, ensuring regular water supply. A youth from the village manages fee collection, bookkeeping, and minor repairs. The committee monitors records and expenses.”

Badrinath Behera, 46, a VDC member, added, “The whole village is united in maintaining the system. It may be a basic facility, but it’s our most valuable one. We hold quarterly meetings to gather feedback and address water-related issues. In one such meeting, we decided to disconnect the water supply to households practising open defecation despite having toilets. Public cleanliness is part of the dignity piped water brings us.”

Planning for the future

Due to rising demand, villagers requested a larger water tank in November 2024. The current 7,500-litre tank, supplying water twice daily, is no longer sufficient. “A mega project is underway to build a new overhead tank with increased capacity. It will be completed by the end of 2025,” the Sarpanch confirmed. This proactive approach to future water needs demonstrates the community’s foresight and planning.

The village has also leased four ponds from the Panchayat for pisciculture. “The income from selling fish supports the village development fund,” said Badrinath. “As our population grows, so does our water demand. To avoid future shortages, we are recharging groundwater by desilting and maintaining the ponds.”