Hamlet beats problems to turn self sufficient 13 years after ex-President visit

  • | Thursday | 8th November, 2018

The 10,000 litres water tank constructed few years back is a boon. Jayashree Benkoli, sarpanch of the hamlet, said they have sufficient water in the village, enough for farming as well. Today, while Igatpuri taluka has been declared drought-hit, this hamlet boasts of having sufficient drinking water. A proposal to build a water tank was approved under the Bharat Nirman scheme in 2005-06.The next year, the scheme was made applicable for the 4-5 hamlets in the vicinity. Kalam not just suggested a name change — the hamlet was then called Vaitagwadi meaning irritating hamlet — but inspired the tribals to take charge and transform their village.

NASHIK:A pucca road and homes with regular tap water supply. This picture of Ashakiranwadi, a tribal hamlet in Igatpuri taluka, about 30km from Nashik city, was unimaginable till 13 years back.The non-descript village, perched in the hilly recesses of the Igatpuri taluka, was then largely inaccessible. It did not have a proper road, nor water supply. The lone agriculture activity of the villagers was paddy cultivation through step farming during the monsoon. For the rest of the year, they would look for work.But a visit by late former President Dr A P J Abdul Kadam in 2005 changed it forever. Kalam not just suggested a name change — the hamlet was then called Vaitagwadi meaning irritating hamlet — but inspired the tribals to take charge and transform their village. Today, while Igatpuri taluka has been declared drought-hit, this hamlet boasts of having sufficient drinking water. A proposal to build a water tank was approved under the Bharat Nirman scheme in 2005-06.The next year, the scheme was made applicable for the 4-5 hamlets in the vicinity. The construction of the water tank has meant that the tribals do not have to walk long distance every day fetch a pot of water.Somnath Joshi, who was only a farmer and a part-time labourer when former president Kalam visited, said their village was then totally drought-prone in 2005. “Groups of eight to ten farmers were formed. Water was brought to the village from Darna river with the help of small pumps. Now, there is a water tap outside every house. Women no longer need to carry water pots on their heads and men no longer need to carry drums on their bicycles. Moreover, 50% farmers grow vegetables in the hamlet,” said Joshi, who is now a member of the panchayat samiti.Along with the water tank, work on the lift irrigation scheme was launched and is set to be completed soon. It will soon provide water to 1,200 acres. All connecting roads to to the hamlet have been constructed in tar and concrete. A primary healthcare centre has been set up, eliminating the need to visit private doctors.Kalam had visited the hamlet as part of the Union government’s orchard project in tribal villages. It was among the 12 villages from the state selected for plantation of fruit trees in 2003. Twenty-two farmers below poverty line were selected to plant 30 mango trees and 20 cashewnut trees in their farms. Some of these farmers have now planted more trees. Jayashree Benkoli, sarpanch of the hamlet, said they have sufficient water in the village, enough for farming as well. The roads and electricity connections have brought change. “Earlier, it used to be very difficult for us as we had to constantly think of getting water. Now, we have water for farming as well. The 10,000 litres water tank constructed few years back is a boon. We have roads within the village and also connecting to other villages,” she said.Today, villagers who work on the principles of the missile man and his optimistic attitude, say that the visit changed them for good. The village that was deprived of even the basic amenities is today self-sufficient. “Kalam sir showed us the path to develop our village,” said N Khokale, a farmer.

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