Gujarat : Three Model Villages Earn National Recognition for Rural Development

Gandhinagar | Gujarat —–  Gujarat, renowned for its rapid development and inspiring vision, is witnessing its villages advance rapidly. The progressive sarpanches of model villages such as Bhimasar in Kachchh district, Akhod in Bharuch district, and Sultanpur in Navsari district have transformed rural areas with city-like facilities. Their dedicated efforts have redefined rural development, going beyond just government schemes.

Through their dedicated efforts, these villages earned the title of “Model Villages of Rural Development.” Their sarpanches, including a woman leader exemplifying Nari Shakti, have been invited as special guests to the Independence Day celebration in New Delhi held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister  Narendra Modi.

Woman Sarpanch of Bhimasar: Became the Mother of the Village

Daiben Hunbal, the woman sarpanch of Bhimasar village in Kachchh, transformed her vision of a clean and prosperous village into reality. Under her leadership, every house now has a toilet, a sewage system covers the village, and door-to-door waste collection is in place, making Bhimasar an “ODF Plus Model Village” under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

She developed “Vraj Bhumi Farm” on the village’s 200-acre gauchar (common grazing) land, where grass is grown for cattle using water from a pond, creating both livestock feed and local jobs. To prevent future encroachment on this land, 10,000 trees and RCC pillars were added along its boundary. The village now has a public library, PHC, post office, bank, cowshed, and schools up to secondary level, and has won 13 national awards for its foresight and leadership.

Sarpanch of Sultanpur: Became a Social Worker for the Village

Shashikant Patel, sarpanch of Sultanpur village in Navsari district, has strengthened his village both in facilities and social values. He introduced a ₹5,000 incentive for families on the birth of a daughter to promote the “Beti Bachao” campaign. In addition, to promote grey water management, residents with the best kitchen gardens were awarded prizes, inspiring more villagers to start their own gardens. Under his leadership, Sultanpur became the first village in Gujarat to install Braille signboards in public toilets for Divyangs and achieved 100% compliance with Swachh Bharat Mission norms, earning “ODF Plus Model Village”.

Leader of Akhod: Became the Protector of the Environment

Narendrasinh Solanki, sarpanch of Akhod village in Bharuch district, set up a nano-based grey water treatment plant that conserves water, cuts electricity, and manpower costs. Medicinal substances are used in the water treatment process, and the treated water is used for farming.

In addition, he has deepened old ponds and built new ones, strengthening the village’s lifeline. Akhod has also achieved 100% compliance with all Swachh Bharat Mission parameters and has become an “ODF Plus Model Village.” Furthermore, 100% of the village households now receive water through the “Nal Se Jal” scheme. For its outstanding work, Akhod has received various awards.Narendrasinh’s innovative thinking has played a crucial role in making Akhod a smart and self-reliant village.

Three Villages, One Resolve

The success of these three villages shows that when elected sarpanches work with a spirit of service and dedication, nothing can stop the development of a village. In cleanliness, water management, education, environment, and social empowerment, all three villages have created their own unique identity. These villages are not only a source of inspiration for Gujarat but for the entire country, moving forward on the path to realising the vision of Viksit Bharat. This is precisely why the visionary sarpanches of these villages have been extended a special invitation.