The Amreli District Panchayat Office announced the construction of an underground drainage system in the SC area as a permanent solution. The project is funded under the 15th Finance Commission (rural component) and 10% district-level Finance Commission grant. The Gram Panchayat has passed the necessary resolutions for this.
Amreli- There is a relief news for the Scheduled Caste (SC) community in Jaswantgadh village in Amreli district of Gujarat. The problem of sewage diversion here has now been resolved. On June 25, The Mooknayak published a report titled “In this village of Gujarat, upper castes released dirty water in Dalit settlement, administration mute spectator!”. The report said that the upper caste residents of the village had deliberately dumped their underground drainage system into an open monsoon drain near Dr. Ambedkar Colony, which is a predominantly SC settlement. This led to the garbage and faeces from their homes accumulating near the Ambedkar colony. After the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) intervened after the problem was highlighted, the gram panchayat has now passed proposals for an underground drainage system in the Dalit basti.
The Mooknayak reported that the drain diverted to the Dalit basti, which was meant only for rainwater, became a drain that flowed into the houses with filth and faeces. Residents described it as a “permanent swamp of humiliation”. During rains, dirty water would flood their homes, increasing health risks. With an Anganwadi centre nearby, children were at risk of waterborne diseases and long-term developmental risks. Local health workers reported alarming mosquito infestations and a rise in diseases. Despite repeated complaints to the gram panchayat, taluka panchayat and the district administration, no action was taken.
Local media Khabarantar highlighted the crisis, which led to The Mooknayak reporting and bringing it to national attention. Social activist Kirit Rathore, who provided photographic evidence and testimonies, said, “This is not just poor drainage; it is a well-planned form of caste oppression. Upper castes are using garbage as a weapon to humiliate Dalits.”
Based on The Mooknayak report, T. Emmanuel Dhinakaran, former state co-incharge of the BJP Tamil Nadu Minority Morcha and a proponent of social justice, raised the issue before the NCSC. In his petition, Dhinakaran called the episode a “blatant violation of the constitutional rights of Dalits” and sought immediate action.
His efforts garnered widespread support for the issue, cutting across political boundaries. “This is not a question of sanitation, but of dignity and equality,” he said. On 9 July 2025, just two weeks after The Mooknayak report, the NCSC began a formal investigation. The commission issued notices to the Amreli district collector, the district development officer (DDO) and the Scheduled Caste Welfare Department of Gujarat. The letter (reference number ESDW/BE/GJ/2025/300700, dated 7 July 2025) sought an action report within 15 days and warned of summons under Article 338 of the Constitution on non-compliance.
In this village of Gujarat, upper castes released dirty water in Dalit settlement, administration mute spectator!
In response to the NCSC’s direction, the Amreli district panchayat office submitted an action report (number PNC/8/Mis/Jashwantgadh/1012-1015/2025) on August 2. This letter, written to the NCSC Deputy Director in Ahmedabad, acknowledged that due to heavy rains, garbage had accumulated in the open drain, causing sanitation problems.
The gram panchayat immediately started cleaning work with a JCB machine and the area was completely cleaned. Photographic evidence was also attached to confirm the work. Most importantly, the report announced a permanent solution: construction of an underground drainage system in the SC area. The project is funded under the 15th Finance Commission (rural component) and a 10% district-level Finance Commission grant. The gram panchayat has passed the necessary resolutions for it.
“We have cleared the area and are committed to a long-term solution,” the letter said. As of August 24, local sources confirmed that the clearing had mitigated the immediate hazards and that preliminary work for the underground drainage system had begun, with completion expected in the next few months.
Geetha Sunil Pillai
Courtesy : Hindi News