Women Workers Dig 1,570 Wells: Water Warriors
In the past two years, women workers in Palakkad district have dug more than 1,570 wells to combat water shortages. Under the MNREGA scheme, these women have transitioned from tasks like transplanting paddy saplings to well digging. Vallapuzha grama panchayat, for instance, saw its women workers dig 35 wells in three months to address drinking water shortages during summer.
The shift in work came after the Centre’s 2016 circular prohibited repeating the same tasks in the same place year after year under MNREGA. Local bodies recognized the opportunity to use the scheme for well digging as women readily took up the task, helping alleviate the water scarcity issue.
The trend started in 2017 when the Pookottukavu panchayat’s women dug 190 new wells in six months, garnering appreciation. Since then, more local bodies have joined in well digging efforts to combat drought. Alanallur panchayat, in particular, had the highest number of wells dug in consecutive years. In 2020-21, they dug 132 wells, followed by 135 in 2021-22.
As water demand continues to rise, these women have become instrumental in ensuring a more sustainable water supply. Their efforts underline a significant shift from traditional roles, demonstrating the transformative impact of their work.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The New Indian Express
