Banej village, located in the Dabhoi taluka of Gujarat, has made a significant step towards water conservation by becoming the first village in the district to install water meters for every household. Thanks to the Jal Jeevan Mission, residents now receive water 24 hours a day. Previously, water was supplied for only 18 hours, causing many issues. With the installation of meters, villagers can now monitor their water usage closely. This change has encouraged responsible water consumption among residents.
The village has a rich history, established during the reign of the Toran Gaikwad government. It features a reservoir that remains filled during summer, and the surrounding areas are home to many families. Before 2017, residents faced water distribution problems. Water supply was inadequate, especially in elevated areas. Villagers had to install their own motors to access water.
The village Panchayat faced challenges as well. To fill a 50,000-litre overhead tank, motors had to run for 16 to 18 hours. Sometimes, there were issues with the water line or the motors breaking down, disrupting the supply system. The Water and Sanitation Management Organization (WASMO) assisted in improving this system.
In 2017, the village Panchayat decided to revamp the water distribution system. The District Water and Sanitation Committee approved a project costing approximately ₹11.21 lakh. The government funded 90% of the project, while local residents raised ₹1.12 lakh through contributions from households.
This project included installing pipelines for water distribution, repairing storage tanks, and building pump houses. Each household has now received a direct water connection. To ensure fair and regular water distribution, a six-valve system was implemented. According to Bharat Patel from WASMO, this system ensures that every area receives adequate water.
Additionally, the Gujarat Water Supply Board provides water from the Narmada River canal, which is treated before supply. This system allows for smooth water distribution to the village’s 12-metre high storage tank, ensuring direct access to water for residents.
As of now, 220 households in Banej have water meters installed. This allows families to track their water consumption accurately. Since the meters were installed, villagers have developed a self-discipline regarding water use. They are now more aware of their consumption and avoid wasting water. Many residents even lock their taps when they leave home.
An automatic system has been added to the village’s water tank. If the tank runs low, the motor starts immediately. This advancement has reduced the motor running time from 16-18 hours to just six hours daily. Instances of motors breaking down have also decreased. Moreover, water pressure has improved, allowing water to reach even the third floor of homes on elevated ground. This has freed residents from the hassle of using their own motors and has resulted in electricity savings as well.
Overall, Banej village is a leading example of how smart water management can lead to better conservation practices and improved quality of life for residents. The efforts here reflect a larger commitment to sustainable water usage across Gujarat.
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