BIS #2952 RIGHT TO WATER - 'RASTA ROKO' BY THE TRIBAL YOUTH

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BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE #2952

RIGHT TO WATER – 'RASTA ROKO' BY THE TRIBAL YOUTH

Prakash Wagh

WALVANDA, MAY 31, 2012: The Youth Group members of Kiniste village motivated the surrounding villagers and organized a one day 'rasta roko' in Kiniste Fatta on Kodala Kasara Road on May 28, 2012 for their right to water. Villagers from Kashti Savrde, Karegaon Karode, Udale Wakadpada, Gram Panchayats of Mokhada Taluka participated in the 'rasta roko'. The road block was for two reasons. Firstly, demanding to adopt these villages by the BMC for over all development and secondly, for getting drinking water supply to these villages from Middle Vaitarna dam. More than thousand people participated in the road block and put forward their demands to concerned government officials.


Villages near Middle Vaitarna are witnessing severe water shortage. Kiniste is barely four kilometres away from the Middle Vaitarna dam. Civic officials say they cannot distribute water to nearby areas since official policy does not allow it. Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha (BSVS) is working in the villages of Mokhada since 2004. BSVS has created awareness among the people on their various rights. BSVS has mobilized the communities and formed various organizations to address their local needs. Gram Vikas Mandals formed by the organization is working as catalyst for various developmental activities in the area. Members from Kniste Gram Vikas Mandals took initiative under the aegis of BSVS for the 'rasta roko' for getting their rights from the government.


The road block started at 7.30 am which continued till 12 noon.Women, children and youth sat on the road and blocked the traffic on Kodala Kasara Road. Around 10.20 am, the Chief Deputy Engineer of BMC arrived and interacted with the agitators. Soon after that, Tahasildar, BDO, Sabhapati, Deputy Sabhapati, Water supply officer of Mokhada Taluka etc. arrived at the venue and requested the people to clear the road for the traffic. People collectively put forward their demands in front of the officers. BMC officer assured them that, he will convene a meeting with the BMC commissioner within five days with three to four members from each village to discuss on their issues. The people demanded that the Tahasildar should insist the BMC to supply water from the dam to the nearby villages. He has agreed to do so and has also ordered an increase in the tankers for water supply to these villages till they find a way out. With that assurance the people decided to call off the road block.


The BSVS team along with Fr. Anaclete D'mello, Director was present with the youth and guided them in organizing the event. Fr. D'mello discussed on the issues pertaining to the villagers with the government officials.

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