Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s government has ensured safe drinking water reaches every household in the remote forest village of Birhipani under the Jal Jeevan Mission, bringing lasting improvements in health, sanitation, and quality of life-Photo credit -channel24india.com via CG/PR
In Short
- 129 households in Birhipani now have functional tap water connections.
- Four elevated water reservoirs constructed under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
- Dependence on wells, hand pumps, and seasonal water sources eliminated.
- Significant reduction in water-borne diseases reported.
- Women save time and effort previously spent fetching water.
- Village Water and Sanitation Committee managing long-term operations.
- Initiative reflects the Chhattisgarh government’s focus on inclusive rural development under CM Vishnu Deo Sai.
129 Households in Birhipani Receive Functional Tap Connections; CM Vishnu Deo Sai-Led Initiative Improves Health and Quality of Life
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government’s flagship implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has brought a remarkable transformation to Birhipani, a remote forest village in Jashpur district. Located nearly 100 kilometres from the district headquarters, the village now enjoys regular access to clean drinking water through household tap connections, ending decades of dependence on unsafe traditional water sources.
The initiative has ensured Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to all 129 households, significantly improving the quality of life for villagers, particularly women and children.
A Village Once Struggling for Water
Nestled amid dense forests and difficult terrain, Birhipani had long remained deprived of reliable drinking water infrastructure. Residents depended on hand pumps, open wells, and seasonal water sources, which often dried up during summer, forcing women and children to walk long distances every day to fetch water.
The use of untreated water also exposed villagers to recurring water-borne diseases, affecting public health and increasing hardships for rural families.
Modern Water Supply System Changes Lives
To address these challenges, the Jal Jeevan Mission established a comprehensive piped water supply system in the village. The project includes the construction of four elevated water reservoirs and an extensive pipeline network connecting every household.
With clean drinking water now flowing directly into homes, residents no longer face the daily struggle of collecting water.
Women and Children Benefit the Most
The availability of tap water has substantially reduced the physical burden on women, allowing them to devote more time to family care, children’s education, and livelihood activities.
Health conditions have also improved as the use of safe drinking water has reduced the incidence of water-borne illnesses. Local authorities report that children are attending school more regularly, while families have become more conscious about hygiene and sanitation.
Community Participation Ensures Sustainability
To ensure the long-term success of the scheme, a Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC) has been constituted. The committee, with active participation from local residents, oversees the operation and maintenance of the water supply system, making the project sustainable and community-driven.
Model of Inclusive Rural Development
Villagers have expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and the state government, stating that the availability of tap water has made life safer, healthier, and more dignified.
The transformation of Birhipani stands as a strong example of how effective governance, infrastructure development, and community participation can bridge the gap between remote tribal regions and mainstream development. The success story also reflects the broader objective of the Jal Jeevan Mission—to provide every rural household with access to safe and adequate drinking water while improving health, gender equality, and rural living standards.
