Drinking water problem of 24 villages of Bastar block will be solved with the launching of group water distribution scheme worth Rs 39 crore. The new scheme is based on gravity system.
The Markandeya River that flows through the Sornapal area of Bastar block would be the main source of the group water distribution scheme. The ever depleting groundwater level led to the redesign of the plan, which would cater the drinking water need of the people of the region, at least for 35 years.
According to the sources, Sornapal, Devada, Chamiya, Bade Amapal, Chhote Amapal, Bade Alnar, Chhote Alnar and Chapka come under Bastar block. likewise Mohlenga, Ichhapur, Agmohlai, Dubeumargaon, Gufaninin, Retavand, Talur, Bhond, Salemeta, lamker, Madhota, Retma, Chhartarai, Bodanpal, Nadisagar and Badechakva would also be benefited from this scheme.
So far, potable water has been supplied to these villages from hand pumps, but, as the groundwater level depleted the water supply has been disrupted.
Originally the group water supply scheme has been mooted for up to the year 2030, but it has been extended to ten more years. The sources said, intake well, raw water pumping machinery, water treatment plant, master balancing and RCC overhead tank would be constructed and gravity system would be used to supply water to these villages.
Fluoride in ground water in these villages was more than the permissible level, which causes deformity among children. For the first time, fluoride was traced in Bakavand village in 2011 and a water purification plant was installed there.