Villagers Become Vigilant About Drinking Water Quality After Water Testing Awareness Drive

Bamanpur, Gunjeperti, and Nambi Villages Set an Example of Water Safety Awareness

Raipur, Aug 25 : In the remote, Naxal-affected Bijapur district, awareness regarding social, health, and developmental issues is gradually increasing alongside infrastructure progress. The administration is making continuous efforts to educate and sensitize the local population. As part of this endeavour, a unique and inspiring public awareness initiative was launched in the villages of Bamanpur, Gunjeperti, and Nambi under the Bhopalpatnam and Usoor blocks, focusing on water safety and sanitation through the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Although these villages were already provided with piped drinking water facilities under the “Har Ghar Nal Se Jal” scheme, some residents continued using river and stream water for drinking, either due to traditional habits or lack of awareness. This posed significant health risks. During a review meeting of the Jal Jeevan Mission, it was decided that a practical awareness campaign would be undertaken to educate villagers about water quality and associated health hazards. The campaign was launched under the supervision of the Public Health Engineering Department officials.

A team, led by a chemist from the District Water Testing Laboratory, was dispatched to these villages. On-site, they conducted live demonstrations in the presence of the village sarpanch, panchayat secretary, Anganwadi workers, Mitanins (community health workers), and local residents. Water samples from rivers, streams, and household taps were tested and their quality parameters were shown to the villagers.

When the villagers witnessed firsthand that the river and stream water contained harmful contaminants, while the water from household taps was clean and safe, they pledged to use only tap water for drinking purposes in the future. The local community appreciated this initiative and described it as an “eye-opening experience”.

This initiative stands as a testament to the fact that if people are made aware with accurate information and a scientific approach, they are willing to adopt positive changes. The campaign has proved to be a significant step towards achieving the objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission. Villages like Bamanpur, Gunjeperti, and Nambi are now not only self-reliant in terms of water availability but are also vigilant about the quality of drinking water.