Chimtipur, a small village in Chhindwara district, has witnessed a remarkable turnaround in its drinking water supply. Once marked by frequent shortages and unsafe sources, the village today has access to clean tap water powered by solar energy.
According to a press release from the Madhya Pradesh Information Department, the scheme has been implemented under the Jal Jeevan Mission. It is described as a milestone in fulfilling the promise of “Water for Every Home.” The department states that through the use of renewable energy, safe and regular drinking water has reached every household in Chimtipur.
The release highlights that the solar-powered system has not only ensured water availability but has also saved time and labour for villagers. Women and children, who earlier walked long distances to fetch water, now use that time for studies, livelihoods, and family care. “This has opened new opportunities and given people hope for a healthier life,” the statement said.
The department also notes the positive impact on public health. With access to safe water, the risk of waterborne diseases has dropped, and families report improved well-being. The release cited student Manita Uike, who said her studies were often disrupted earlier but are now back on track thanks to water being available at home. Another resident, Pramila Uikey, is quoted as saying that clean water has improved her family’s health and reduced illness.
Officials describe Chimtipur as an example of how solar energy can power rural development. They say the initiative shows that sustainable solutions are possible even in areas where traditional water sources are unreliable. The government considers the project a step toward meeting its commitment to provide functional tap water connections across rural Madhya Pradesh.
Yet Chimtipur’s new story cannot be separated from its recent past.
Earlier this year, Ground Report visited Chimtipur and nearby villages in Patalkot Valley. At the time, the scene was very different. Villagers spoke of contaminated water, frequent diarrhoea cases, and deaths linked to unsafe drinking water during the monsoon. Hospitals in Tamia and Chhindwara were flooded with patients suffering from waterborne diseases.
Families also pointed out that many taps were dry despite official claims of full coverage. With no reliable supply, people continued to depend on unsafe natural sources like muddy streams and small water pools. For them, clean and regular drinking water was still a distant promise.
Support us to keep independent environmental journalism alive in India.
Keep Reading
Small Wild Cats in Big Trouble: India’s First National Report Released
After Tragedy, Families Face Delays in Tiger Attack Compensation
Stay connected with Ground Report for underreported environmental stories.
Follow us onX, Instagram, and Facebook; share your thoughts at greport2018@gmail.com; subscribe to our weekly newsletter for deep dives from the margins; join our WhatsApp community for real-time updates; and catch our video reports on YouTube.
Your support amplifies voices too often overlooked, thank you for being part of the movement.
