Drought-prone Purulia witnesses sea change under MGNREGA

Kolkata: Over the past seven years, Purulia, one of the most drought-prone districts in Jangalmahal, is witnessing a sea change because of the various steps taken up by the district administration under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

The stories of change that are taking place in the villages are more interesting than reel stories. After coming to power in 2011, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had given special stress on five drought prone districts

of Jangalmahal.

Bindu or Droplets is a bi-lingual booklet that contains details of 16 projects which have been carried out in drought prone Purulia under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

In the preface, Subrata Mukherjee, state minister for Panchayat and Rural Development department said in addition to carrying out innovative work to provide jobs to people under the MGNREGA, it should be properly documented. Recently an interesting issue "ekshoye eksho" (hundred out of hundred) has been brought out by Purulia district administration. Another booklet on Ushermukti — a watershed based soil and moisture conservation — has been brought out. The current one is the third in the series. The editing of the booklet along with the Bengali text has been done by Dibyendu Sarkar, secretary, Panchayat and Rural Development department.

Tatari Kedernath High School in Puncha block is one among 25 schools where rainwater harvesting is being carried out. West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) in convergence with the MGNREGA came forward to set up some demonstration sites. The green cover surrounding the school premises has gone up because of increased water level.

One thousand and seventy saplings brought from Solapur Pomegranate Research Institute were planted. Of these, 980 saplings survived raising hope in

the farmers.

Details of all 16 projects have been documented. It may be mentioned that Panchayat and Rural Development department has received award for uniquely carrying out the MGNREGA from the Centre for the past few years. The main hindrance for development in Purulia is the lack of water.

Rainfall is moderate but because of the slopes, rain water does not percolate down and increase the moisture in the soil. Usharmukti has been implemented in all 20 blocks and 170 Gram Panchayats in the district. Stress has been given to water conservation and

water harvesting.