While Indore’s reputation as Madhya Pradesh’s cleanest city is well-known, Khadi Haat village in Sehore district is emerging as an exemplary model of sustainable rural development. This remarkable transformation showcases how community participation can create environmentally friendly solutions for rural challenges.
Khadi Haat village once faced severe water scarcity, which prevented marriages and forced women to walk kilometres for water. Today, it stands as a symbol of optimism with clean streets, covered drains, proper waste management, and tap water reaching nearly every household.
The village’s most innovative feature is its Decentralised Wastewater Treatment System (DEWATS), which has become a talking point across neighbouring panchayats. This electricity-free system for grey water filtration processes household wastewater through multiple chambers using sedimentation. The treated water is then collected in ponds and used for irrigation, with Makhanlal overseeing the plant watering operations.
To address groundwater depletion, the village has implemented multiple strategies:
- Rainwater harvesting systems in government buildings
- Pond deepening through community efforts
- Recharge pits under government handpumps
- Filtered wastewater reuse for agriculture
During the summer months, the water supply operates on alternate days because of declining groundwater levels; however, these conservation measures are gradually improving the situation.
The village operates a comprehensive waste collection system, where wet and dry waste is segregated and transported to a dedicated collection centre. Organic waste is converted into compost, though the sarpanch acknowledges ongoing challenges in this process.
Remaining Challenges
Despite significant progress, Khadi Hat faces several issues:
- The health centre lacks MBBS doctors
- Optical fibre installed, but internet connectivity pending
- Solar energy initiatives are yet to commence
The transformation of the village is due to two crucial factors: genuine commitment to improvement and active community participation. These elements have enabled Khadi Haat to outperform neighbouring panchayats in sustainable development.
Khadi Haat’s journey demonstrates that with proper planning, community involvement, and environmental consciousness, rural areas can undergo a remarkable transformation. The village serves as an inspiration for other communities to pursue environmentally friendly development that improves lives while protecting natural resources.
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