Kerala women break barriers, dig wells to make village self-sufficient in water.
Even elderly women climb down pits using makeshift bamboo ladders and dig arduously for hours using pickaxe and shovel, removing mud and clay in search of water sources in Pookkottukavu, a village panchayat.
The risk factors, meagre wages and the general perception of it as a male-oriented job had made them hesitant to take up well digging initially, he said.
Lakshmi said even their own family members were initially reluctant to allow them to take up well-digging as a job.
Our family members and friends told us that it would not be suitable for women.
"Around 500 applications for digging wells are pending before us.
However, the delay in clearing pending dues under MGNREGS is one of the major hurdles faced by the project.
Our panchayat has to get a due of Rs 70 lakh in terms of various works under MGNREGS.
"Due to the delay in clearing the dues, we cannot even face the women who are indulging in these kinds of risky jobs.
But, Lakshmi said though they did not get any wage for the last seven months for digging wells, they would continue the job as water is a major concern.