Bundelkhand is synonymous with severe drought, which is being not only impacted over irrigation but also drinking water. Imarti Bai who live in Moto village, is also the victim of drought who was compelled to drink contaminated and mud full water from only one existing well in village, which was also occupied by few of dominating people of village. As she belongs from schedule caste community , so upper caster society did not allow her to take water from handpumps. She formed a group of Jal Saheli in her village by alliance of 5 more women. They collectively decided that they will dig well for deprived community who are not able to access and reach to well occupied by dominating people. They identified the dried well and started digging well. At the initial stage villages started making fun and denied to stand for their support. Nobody was not in faith that women will able to dig well but determination of Imarti bhai and other Jal Saheli make it possible.
Now the image of this village has been changed. Due to her tireless efforts now the villagers are able to fetch potable water for village. Not only villagers from Moto village but also other villagers are praising the effort of Imarti. Now they have commitment to protect and management water bodies as well as sensitizing others women to come forward to conserve water.
Imrati Devi’s efforts have been recognized by National Women Commission and she was awarded on 8th March – international women’s Day by Delhi government.
