A Village Where Water Was Far, Dirty, and Scarce
Gharadi Bhuvadwadi, a remote village in Mandangad taluka, Ratnagiri district, has around 25–30 homes, though most people have migrated to cities. The few who remain, largely dependent on farming and bamboo cultivation, faced an urgent issue: drinking water.
With no clean source nearby, villagers walked long distances to fetch contaminated water, especially in summer. The risk of disease loomed large.
“We were drinking muddy water and risking our health every day,” said one local resident.
Cloth for Work: A Simple Idea That Sparked Collective Action
During a Cloth for Work (CFW) meeting facilitated by Goonj, the team proposed a solution rooted in local action, voluntary participation (shramdaan).
All it would take was for the community to:
- Commit time and effort together
- Pool energy to clean the blocked well
The idea clicked. The next morning at 9:30 AM, the villagers gathered to begin.
Three Days of Shramdaan: Restoring Water, Rebuilding Trust
Over three days, the villagers:
- Emptied the well
- Removed decades of silt and waste
- Restored the base to allow clean water to fill in again
There was no machinery. Just shovels, buckets, and a strong sense of unity.
Villagers Removing Water and Silt from the Well
Clean Water, And a Renewed Sense of Collective Power
As clean water returned to the well, so did confidence and community pride. The water is now being used safely for drinking and daily needs.
“If we hadn’t taken this up ourselves, the well would still be unusable,” said Aachan Gorivale, a local villager.
“We’ve learned that any problem can be solved through unity and effort.”
Clean Well Filled with Fresh Water
From Water to Wider Change, A Call to Action
This story isn’t just about a well. It’s about people-powered change, the idea that with small steps, entire communities can address long-standing challenges, with dignity, participation, and trust.
Want to Start Where You Are? Join Goonj’s Movement
Whether you start a Goonj Gullak, join Team 5000, or organise a collection drive, your small act can ripple into lasting change.
Learn more at www.goonj.org
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