Dwelling and Drinking Water among the Baiga Tribe of Chhattisgarh

To sum up the net findings, even in today's age of modern life of progress and advancement, Baiga tribal people are forced to live in the ramshackle of makeshift dwellings. During fieldwork it was observed that the water that came out from hand pumps were red or saffron in colour which was not fit for drinking. So using such water to alley one's thirst invited all kinds of diseases. Though to provide them with moderate and modest standard of accommodation, the government launched the housing project under the aegis of "Indira Awas Yojana" and make provision of dolling out financial help to them. Moreover, more cohesive and constructive steps should be taken that the Baiga's drinking water -bringing should not continue to remain a daily ordeal.

At least two steps ought to be taken with immediate effect for resolving the problems, so as to ameliorate the dwelling status, and to provide the safe drinking water facility to the Baiga community and the vast concourse similar tribal population: first, the paramount necessity is, as regards to tribal housing, the fund allocated for "Indira Awas Yojana", should be made double with immediate effect, and its repayment might be made through the "Adhar Card", which should be directly in the name of the Baiga couples both husband and wife inclusive. Secondly, in tribal villages, in the vicinity, at the distance of every 100 meters hand pumps should be installed, not as a bare formality, but with wihiggish caution, see to it that such hand pumps supply drinkable water, constantly. These should be monitored by trained and efficient plumbers/pump men/engineers. The latter should supervise individually and as a team. And at least once in a month, taking in confidence the members of the Baiga and other tribal families, ensure the supply of drinkable water with no abatement.