Villagers build Vanrai check dams in three Bhadravati villages to hold rainwater

Chandrapur: Vanrai dams have been built with public participation in three villages of Bhadravati tehsil. The villages are Viloda, Kondegaon and Khutwanta. The work was taken up in all three places at the same time.

The aim is clear: to stop rainwater that otherwise flows away and goes to waste, and let it seep into the ground. It is hoped this will ease the impact of water scarcity in the coming summer.

Block Development Officer of Panchayat Samiti Bhadravati Ashutosh Sapkal joined the campaign. Khode, an officer of the NREGA department, and residents of the three villages were also present. The work could be completed because the administration provided guidance and villagers contributed voluntary labour.

The step, taken under the supervision of the administration, is meant to speed up water conservation work in rural areas. The dams were built with the direct participation of the people. Through this, the old idea of "stop the water, let it seep into the ground" has been put into practice.

The dams will hold rainwater locally. This will increase water storage in the surrounding area and keep moisture in the soil. They will also be a big help in raising the groundwater level, that is, in recharge. Such water conservation work is proving a great relief, especially for villages that face acute water shortage in the peak of summer.

The initiative is not limited to building dams. Its main aim is also to make villagers understand how important water is to human life. People are being told to avoid excessive use of water and to use it sparingly. Spreading awareness on a large scale in the villages about protecting and nurturing local water sources is also part of it.

After this successful experiment, the district administration has made an appeal. The administration said every village should take up sustainable water conservation work suited to the geography of its area and preserve the natural water sources that exist.

The effort in Viloda, Kondegaon and Khutwanta is the result of the combined efforts of administrative initiative and public participation. It has laid a strong collective foundation for tackling a serious problem like water scarcity. It is also helping the message "stop the water, let it seep into the ground" reach the whole rural area more effectively.