Beneficiaries, Looking Up To A Greener Tomorrow

On August 15th, 2022, as India celebrated its 75th year of Independence, there was one more reason for Rotary Club of Bombay to celebrate as it inaugurated its 25TH INTEGRATED VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT at Ambu in the Khed Taluka of Pune.

The implementation was possible with the support received from Mr. Nelum Gidwani and project partners Chirag Foundation. A group of 20 including Rotarians, Rotarian Partners, family and friends took the scenic route to Ambu to share the joy of the villagers, all of whom had come out in large numbers (band baja including), inspite of the incessant rain, to thank RCB and the donors for bringing about the change that they could only dream of. We supported Ambu with (i) Solar Homelight Solutions including 1 portable light and 1 mobile charging point to all 219 families, (ii) 7.5 HP solar pumping system to enable lift irrigation from the check dam and distribute water across acres of farm land, (iii) 2HP solar pumping system in the well for pulling water to the centre of the village, (iv) Filtration unit to purify water thereby providing clean and pure drinking water for all villagers, (v) 60 watt solar system for the ICDS providing access to 2 lights and a fan, and (vi) 350 watt solar system for the ZP Primary School providing access to light, a fan, and an electrical output. A walk down the village to see the installed solar panels and pipeline reinforced our belief in the project’s sustainability and viability as in Ambu we have been able to provide (i) 219 households with continuous supply of light, (ii) 5000 ltrs of drinking water per day, (iii) 33 students benefiting from engaged learning in the school, (iv) 20 acres of land being brought under irrigation and (v) 1117 villagers staying safer post sunset. Finally, it was difficult to say who was happier – the villagers or the visitors.