Bhagalpur: In Bhagalpur, a new and simple idea is being put into action to make drinking water safer for everyone. Under the Amrit Mission 2.0 scheme, the municipal corporation has selected 34 women from local self-help groups to work as “Amrit Mitras”. These women will visit homes across the city to test the quality of tap water and report their findings to civic authorities. The initiative is part of the “Women for Water, Water for Women” campaign, which aims to improve water quality while creating work opportunities for women.
The scheme will be implemented in municipal wards where piped water supply is available. Each Amrit Mitra will be given a water testing kit by the municipal corporation to check basic quality parameters at the household level. Officials said the process of purchasing these kits is complete and the work will begin shortly. The first round of training has already been conducted with the support of experts from the Amrit Mission and the DAY-NULM programme, helping the women understand how to use the kits correctly and record the results.
After testing the water in homes, the Amrit Mitras will submit reports to the municipal corporation. These reports will help officials identify problems such as contamination, leakage or poor treatment of water at an early stage. Regular testing is expected to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, which remain a common problem in many urban areas. The initiative was also encouraged by local awareness efforts highlighting the importance of clean drinking water for public health.
For their work, the women will be paid Rs 40 for each water test they conduct. While the amount may seem small, officials say it can provide a steady source of income and strengthen the role of women in community services. Beyond water testing, the Amrit Mitras will also be trained to help with tasks such as identifying pipeline leaks, assisting in basic maintenance of water and sewerage systems, collecting water charges and property tax, and helping maintain water treatment plants.
The Bhagalpur municipal corporation believes the programme will bring long-term benefits. By involving women from the community, the scheme builds trust and ensures that problems related to water supply are reported quickly. At the same time, it supports women’s employment and social participation. If successful, the initiative could become a model for other cities, showing how local people can play a direct role in keeping something as essential as drinking water clean and safe.
