In Gujarat's Dang district, remote tribal villages have gained direct access to clean drinking water through tap connections as part of the state's 'Nal Se Jal' mission and the central government's 'Har Ghar Jal' initiative under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

For years, Uma Ben and many women from Sakarpatal village endured long walks carrying pots through hilly forest terrain to obtain water each morning. She said, “The water now comes into our home. Earlier, we women had to go and fetch water. Now we get it in the comfort of our home. We are very happy.”

The availability of tap water connections has alleviated daily hardship, particularly for women who previously spent hours collecting water from distant sources. Despite the challenging terrain, pipeline networks and lift irrigation systems have been established to ensure regular water supply to these remote areas. Local communities also assist in maintaining the water supply system.

Kumudben, another village resident, commented, “We used to go up the hill to fetch water and got tired upon returning home. And now we get water while sitting here at home. We use this water for washing clothes, washing utensils, for the toilet, and bathing, we now have water at home.”

Water Supply Operator Akshay Valvi highlighted the project’s impact, stating, “Bringing water by climbing up and down the hill was very difficult. Now with pipeline water reaching each home, it has brought relief to the people. They can now go to their work.”

Government data shows Gujarat is among the top-performing states under the Jal Jeevan Mission, having achieved 100 per cent rural household tap water coverage.