BHADGAON: Bhadgaon in Jalgaondistrict is like any other drought-prone town in Maharashtra. With apopulation of over 30,000, the town recently faced a severe watershortage. The taps went dry and water could be supplied only once in12 to 15 days.

Realizing the gravity of thesituation, members of the ‘Tanishka Foundation for Women’s Dignity’sprang into action. They held a meeting, chalked out an action plan,and appealed to the local government authorities. With dried up wellsand bunds, the local civic body’s water supply schedule was totallydisturbed. The Tanishka members expressed grave concern over thetravails women had to suffer in view of the severe water shortage.

A former member of the erstwhilePanchayat Samiti and a progressive farmer, Rajendra Patil, was movedafter hearing the plight of people for want of water, and respondedimmediately. Sacrificing the summer crop cultivation in his own farm,Patil agreed to supply free and uninterrupted water for 14 hours tothe common well in the town, to quench the thirst of the residents.

Accordingly, the municipal councilinstalled a 7.5HP pump on the well in Patil’s farm to draw thewater, and release it in the common well. The move has improved thewater supply, increasing its frequency, to once in three days.
With abundant water in his well on thebanks of the Girna River, Patil had earlier planned to cultivate over7000 banana trees in his farm. This would have yielded him revenue ofaround Rs 14 lakh. But with his keen social commitment, Patil rushedto help his town, with no charges, and without thinking of his owninterests.

In yet another noble action, Patil hasset up a drinking water facility, in memory of his son Dr YogeshPatil, at the Bhadgaon ST stand for the benefit of travelers passingby.