Narendra Modi cites Mudigunta as water conservation model
HYDERABAD: Mudigunta, a village in Jaipur mandal of Mancherial district, has drawn praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its water conservation efforts.
During the recent episode of Mann Ki Baat aired on Sunday, the Prime Minister said groundwater levels in Mudigunta improved due to the construction of soak pits in households. He described it as a “true people’s movement”.
The village, with a population of 1,571 and about 400 houses, has completed soak pit construction in 300 houses. Work in the remaining houses is in the final stage.
Soak pits and dams improve water availability
Earlier, groundwater was available only at a depth of 70 feet, causing difficulties for residents. To address the issue, officials created awareness among villagers to construct soak pits under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
Officials from District Rural Development Agency, Panchayat Raj, and Revenue departments, along with public representatives and women’s self-help groups, encouraged residents to take part.
Apart from soak pits, four check dams were built on the village outskirts. Rooftop rainwater harvesting systems were also installed in houses. Officials said these measures helped improve groundwater levels.
Water table rises from 70 feet to 30 feet
Residents said water availability has improved compared to seven to eight years ago. Officials noted that water is now available at a depth of 30 feet.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, three ponds were developed in the nearby forest area, helping meet the water needs of wildlife.
Mudigunta sarpanch Ravi said the Prime Minister’s recognition brought happiness to the village. Residents also expressed satisfaction at hearing their village’s name from the Prime Minister.
