Dhamtari (Chhattisgarh), Sep 3 (NationPress) For many years, countless tribal families residing in the lush Nagri block of Dhamtari district have had no choice but to consume contaminated “red water” from handpumps and rudimentary wells situated near streams. However, a significant transformation is underway, thanks to the Central Government’s Jal Jeevan Mission under the Multi Village Scheme (MVS). Clean and safe drinking water is now making its way into their homes, significantly enhancing the well-being of the villagers.

Through this initiative, nearly 76 villages in Dhamtari are being integrated into a piped water supply system, promising to benefit around 50,000 to 60,000 households. With 80 percent of the project already accomplished, local residents, particularly tribal families, are expressing profound gratitude and relief.

Two major water treatment plants are under construction in Mechka and Ghatula villages. These facilities will treat water sourced from the Sondur Dam before distributing it to households via an extensive pipeline network.

Community members recounted the hardships they endured prior to this initiative. Local villager Bimla Dhruv shared: “For years, we have been drinking red water from handpumps. In summer, the water level drops so low that we have to dig pits near rivers just to find a little water. It was never clean, and many of us fell sick.”

Dushyant Kumar Sahu, another beneficiary, remarked: “In the dry months, we had no choice but to drink water from open sources. Diarrhea and stomach illnesses were common. But now, thanks to this project, we’ll have safe water at home all year round. It feels like a blessing.”

Villager Bisambhar Netam noted: “Getting clean water directly at home seemed like a dream. We are thankful to the Modi government for bringing this change to our lives.”

Dhalvendra Sahu echoed this sentiment: “This scheme is nothing less than a boon for us. We have been waiting for this for so long.”

Dhamtari Collector Abinash Mishra emphasized that the administration is dedicated to ensuring the advantages of government schemes reach every individual in the community.

“Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, we are working to ensure every household gets access to safe drinking water. Our goal is to enhance health and quality of life, particularly in remote tribal areas.”

As the project nears completion, the government’s initiatives are already being recognized as transformative. What was once a daily struggle for water is now evolving into a symbol of progress. For the tribal communities of Nagri, access to clean drinking water is shifting from a dream to a tangible reality.