Скачать или смотреть Baiga Community: A Life Without Water

Have you ever trekked up a hill with a child tied to your back and a water pot on your head?

Dhankaro, a resident of Liphadi village in Kawardha district Chhattisgarh does so on a regular basis as her village has no access to piped water or hand-pump. Community Correspondent Dina Ganveer followed the women of the village to document the lack of facilities they face.

Liphadi village and the 5 neighbouring villages have a combined population of 3000 people who belong to the Baiga tribe. It is one of the most marginalised communities in India. Between them they have no access to water facilities as are mandatory under Government sponsored schemes like the National Rural Drinking Water Programme.

Historically, tribes in India have seen lesser access to government schemes than most rural areas. In Chhattisgarh, the process of Jan Rapats or village reports detail that villagers feel that the government is not doing enough to provide facilities like safe water. (http://chhattisgarh.nic.in/book/hdr.pdf)

The residents of Liphdi share their water source- a small rivulet- with cattle and pigs. Needless to say the source is often contaminated and results in deadly outbreaks of Cholera and Diarrhoea. In India, 1,86,000 children die of waterborne diseases each year. A reality which is too close to home for this community.

"My son has had Diarrhoea, vomiting and a severe cough for some time now" says Dhankaro. She fears that with more unclean water and another outbreak, she will lose him.

Dina asks you to lend your voice in the support of the Baiga people and ensure that they get access to safe drinking water.

Call to Action: Ramakant Shukla, Sub-Engineer, Public Health Engineering Department on 09893859010 and ask him to ensure that the residents get access to safe drinking water.