| Rashid, Mankuzhippotta, Farok, Kozhikode |
When ground water eluded him in the land he had purchased at Mankuzhippotta in Farok, Kozhikode, Rashid purchased another plot of land at Palazhilthazham and dug a well there. He then laid a 600m pipeline between the two plots to bring the water to his land, but did not stop with that. The benefit of the pipeline was made available to 45 families in the locality who were equally affected by the acute scarcity of drinking water in the locality.
Rasheed, an employee of the Higher Secondary School, Farok, Kozhikode, had paid Rs.5376 to the Grama Panchayat for laying the pipe. Since the venture was for the benefit of the locality as a whole, there was huge enthusiasm among the public for carrying out the work. People, including women and children, were in the forefront to dig the earth, lay the pipes and backfill the earth.
In the midst of this, though a section of the people tried to stop the work, strong resistance by the Panchayat, people and the police foiled their attempt.
According to Rasheed, water is a gift of God and if a water-rich person gives a part of this bounty to the water-poor, then drinking water shortage can be managed at least to some extent.
And the grateful beneficiaries fervently pray that Rasheed’s well should never run dry.
Courtesy:
Mathrubhumi, March 13, 2009
Contributed by: Administrator
