Six women from the Chiguru Sanjeevini Federation of Vitlamudnoor gram panchayat have constructed over 200 rainwater harvesting pits to recharge groundwater levels by channeling rainwater from the surrounding hills into the pits. Located in Kundadka Kushalanagara, these pits are expected to provide critical benefits during the summer, improving water availability in the region.
The project is part of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NAREGA), aimed at providing employment to local women. The six federation members dug pits measuring six feet by two feet by two feet on a 1.8-acre cemetery and cashew farm. So far, they have earned Rs 52,350, with more wages to follow. This income has helped them purchase essential items.
In addition to this project, the federation had previously built 180 similar pits and worked on silt clearance in nearby stormwater drains. These efforts have collectively improved groundwater levels, increased water availability in wells and borewells, and prevented soil erosion.
The initiative has been widely praised by local officials. Sachin Kumar, CEO of the Bantwal taluk panchayat, hailed the federation’s efforts as a model for other communities. Vishwanath B, assistant director of the panchayat, emphasized the availability of NAREGA for both public and private projects.
The gram panchayat president, Puneet Madathar, and PDO Sujaya have also commended the federation, stressing the importance of such government schemes in promoting women’s self-reliance. The women have since diversified into other ventures like jasmine cultivation and bakery work, further boosting their economic independence.