Bhartaul, in the Bithiri Chainpur block of the Bareilly district, has the distinction of being UP’s first village to provide RO water to every household. Bhartaul village is being equipped with 20 ROs (water purifiers) with Gram Nidhi after winning awards such as the Central government’s Pandit Deen Dayal Uapdhyaya Panchayat Sashaktikaran and the Chief Minister Panchayat Encouragement award, each worth Rs 12 lakh (Village Allowance).
“So far, five ROs have been installed and each has been connected with the water tank meant for supply,” says village head Pravesh Kumari who used the award money in getting the ROs installed and getting a village secretariat building constructed.
The village has a population of around 7,000 people, with 40% of them serving in the Indian Army. The village has 850 houses, 350 of which are owned by Armymen who are deployed throughout the country but live in Bhartaul with their families.
Each RO installation cost Rs 75,000. The village has a primary school where students receive an education in English. The village is also distinguished by its upscale and well-kept community toilets. Every home has its own toilet, and 275 streets have been converted into pucca roads.
Adequate arrangements for villagers’ security
Bhartaul gram panchayat has made adequate arrangements for villagers’ security, including round-the-clock vigil through CCTVs and a control room in the village. The village has a garbage collection and separation system that goes door to door.
“We have provided almost all the basic amenities to the villagers. Installation of RO, setting up the garbage collection system and a respectable primary school, all are part of our efforts. Bhartaul villagers are very sensitive to cleanliness. It is a model gram panchayat,” says Pravesh Kumari, the village head. She adds that with a branch of the bank in the village now she is focusing to make the village women self-reliant.
“In our village, 11 self-help groups have 120 women are involved in the cottage industry making various products,” says Pravesh Kumari.
