By Abishkar Upadhya
Leh: This winter has brought positive changes for Kharnak villagers as they are now getting drinking water at doorsteps through Jal Jeevan Mission resulting in ease of living for Pashmina raring nomadic community of village which situated at an altitude of over 14000 feet, under Rupsho block in Nyoma Subdivision.
As winter sets in, like every year they used to face hardships to get drinking water. There were some hand pumps and nearby Nallah and spring which were only sources to get water after walking considerable distance.
But this winter has been different. JJM works were executed during summer in village.Considering high altitude and cold weather, execution was not easy task.As Solar energy is abundant in that area, decentralised Solar based pumps were installed and pipeline was laid below frost line. Major focus was on proper insulation to avoid freezing.
After completion of scheme, All the households are now getting tap water supply and that too at a time when minimum temperature has plunged to -15 degree Celsius in that area. Water facility has also been made available at their grazing locations. Besides, Health centre and Gompa have also been given tap connections.
It was informed that both locations in village namely i.e. Dhaat and Yangang habitations have been covered under JJM scheme. Decentralised solar submersible pumps have installed there and through that Functional Household Tapped Connections (FHTCs) have been provided.
Basic orientation to operate solar pumps was also provided to the community members so that things keep working all the time.
Social audit was also conducted recently in presence of BDC Rupsho, BDO, AEE PHE and pani samiti and community members to discuss ways to maintain scheme with community participation.
Urgain Dadul, chairman Village water and sanitation committee Kharnak expressed gratitude on behalf of villagers to UT administration, LAHDC and District administration for providing water at doorsteps during winters through JJM on this occasion.
