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The

Trailblazers

for jal jeevan

mission out and capacity building in all the 30, which mandates that UNICEF – such as harmful social norms and
©UnicefIndia

goes beyond simply responding to
districts of Chhattisgarh.
perpetuate inequalities.
the manifestations of inequality, and gendered power systems – that
Jal Bahini concept also aligns with instead, works actively to remove
the UNICEF’s Gender Policy 2021- the underlying structural barriers

Jal Bahinis are accelerating
drinking water safety and Major five functions for Jal Bahinis

governance in Chhattisgarh 1. Effective participation of community in planning
and implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission
through community mobilization.

- By Sweta Patnaik, Charmi Patel, Manish Basuja & Vineeta Misra 2. Interpersonal communication for water tariff
collection,
3. Opening and maintaining capital expenditure
eet Munni, Deepti, Engineering Department, villages, they are recognized at the (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX)
Urmila, Laxmi Chhattisgarh, in collaboration with highest level of governance in the account including operation and maintenance
and Manisha. The UNICEF, conceptualized ‘Jal Bahini’, state (Chief Minister) and elected (O&M) for revenue and expenditure.
inspiring Jal Bahinis a cadre of five women in each through a Gram Sabha.
Mfrom Masora village. At the forefront are women 4. Periodically organizing ‘Jal Sabhas’ to sensitize
community on concerns related to water quality
Village in Chhattisgarh. Jal Bahini leading this change whilst playing a The Government of Chhattisgarh testing results, importance of potable water,
are water warriors who take up a critical role as Jal Bahini in the state launched ‘Jal Bahini’ on 22 April health impacts of contaminated water & sanitary
leadership role for the governance of Chhattisgarh. 2022 and gradually introduced survey.
of drinking water services in villages. in every district of the state.
There are 109,000 registered Jal UNICEF supported Jal Jeevan 5. Support mechanic, pump operator and sub
To accelerate change at the Bahini, in Chhattisgarh, a cadre of Mission Chhattisgarh in ‘Jal Bahini’ engineer in chlorination of water sources.
community level, Public Health five women per village in 19,668 in conceptualization, launch, roll ©UnicefIndia Deepti Netam, a Jal Bahini, diligently performs
the duties along with her four other team members.

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