Kachhardih, located 70 km from the Mahasamund district headquarters, has resolved its long-standing drinking water shortage through community-driven efforts.

Despite having four hand pumps and two power pumps, the village struggled with severe water scarcity, especially during summer, forcing many families to rely on ponds and wells. Women and children often had to travel long distances to fetch water, affecting their health and education. Schools and Anganwadi centres also faced disruptions due to inadequate drinking water facilities.

The breakthrough came after a Gram Sabha meeting under the Jal Jeevan Mission raised awareness about the scheme’s objectives. A water management committee, with 50% women participation, was set up to oversee the project, chaired by the Gram Sarpanch and supported by the Panchayat Secretary.

Under the project, a 40-kilolitre water tank was built at a cost of Rs 66.09 lakh, and 635 metres of pipeline was laid to supply water directly to homes. Trained Mitanin and Anganwadi workers were tasked with testing water quality regularly using field kits.

Each household now has access to clean drinking water, eliminating the need for long walks to collect water. Improved water availability has also led to better sanitation, with more families using toilets regularly, and waterborne diseases have declined.

To ensure the system’s sustainability, the village collects a water tax of Rs 50 per household. A pump operator, Umendra Kumar Dhruv, manages the supply twice daily, ensuring smooth operations.

On October 5, Kachhardih received the 'Har Ghar Jal' certification, marking the successful implementation of the water project. The initiative has fostered self-reliance among residents, enabling them to effectively manage their water resources.

The completion of the project marks a significant step towards improving the quality of life in the village, with residents now able to focus on education, health, and development without the burden of water scarcity.