Villagers and volunteers came together, dug 13,000 soak pits in six months and raised Rs 35L for the project At a time when the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is facing a major rap from the National Green Tribunal for releasing untreated sewage into river bodies, Bhigwan village near Indapur, located 98 km from Pune and known for famous freshwater fish, has become the first drainagefree village in the district.
The model was first used in some small villages in Nanded district, and, after its subsequent success, has been executed for the first time in a semiurban village like Bhigwan.
Some of the Rotary Club members suggested that we use the soak pit model, but we were reluctant, considering our population and the cost involved.
No longer do we have to contend with the menace of pigs, mosquitoes or odour,” added Madge.
A layer of sand and fine gravel, along with pieces of brick is spread under and around the pipe to allow the water to percolate slowly into the ground.
The un-dissolved particles could be removed from the pits after regular intervals — perhaps every two years.” He added, “The experiment not only stopped stagnation of drainage water in the village, but also helped the wells and streams remain free of dirt.” Riaz Shaikh, one of the volunteers for the project, echoed, “The willpower and unity of the villagers helped generate the funds.
It is cost-effective, yet ecofriendly.
The ZP plans to use this model all ccross the district with the help of Rotary Clubs.” How it works The soak pit model was earlier successfully used in Tembhurni village in Nanded district.
However, implementing it in was far more tedious due to a larger population and more use of water.
Water flowing into the soak pits gradually drains down into aquifers (permeable rock which can contain or transmit groundwater), thereby recharging the groundwater.