Indore (Madhya Pradesh): In a groundbreaking initiative, Anganwadi workers are being trained as rainwater harvesting engineers to upgrade 170 centres into “Saksham Anganwadis” — fully equipped and resource-efficient units. While the central government approved only Rs 16,000 per centre for installing rainwater harvesting systems, actual implementation costs hover around Rs 45,000 for one system.
With government agencies and private contractors unwilling to work at such low rates, the Women and Child Development Department launched a creative solution: train Anganwadi workers themselves.
Under the guidance of engineers from Indore Municipal Corporation and district panchayats — who typically work on large commercial buildings — the workers will learn how to construct harvesting systems using locally available, low-cost materials.
This approach not only cuts costs but also empowers women with practical engineering skills. Training began this week, covering both 74 urban and 96 rural Anganwadi centres.
This is the first time nationally that frontline women workers are being technically trained for environmental infrastructure. By equipping women with hands-on knowledge, the initiative tackles both climate resilience and gender empowerment.
The effort is part of the broader Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 mission, with a central government team expected to assess progress in August — giving the local teams a tight, mission-driven deadline.
