Gandhinagar: In a proud moment for Gujarat’s rural development journey, three of its villages — Bhimasar (Kachchh), Akhod (Bharuch), and Sultanpur (Navsari) — have been honored with the titles of “Model Village of Rural Development” and “ODF Plus Model Village” for their transformative governance and community upliftment.
As a mark of national recognition, the sarpanches of these three villages, including Daiben Hunbal, a woman leader, have been invited as special guests to the Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Bhimasar: Led by a Woman Who Became the “Mother of the Village”
In Bhimasar village, located in Kachchh district, Daiben Hunbal has redefined leadership and service. Under her vision and leadership, Bhimasar achieved 100% household toilet coverage, built a village-wide sewage system, and introduced door-to-door waste collection, fulfilling all parameters to become an ODF Plus Model Village under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
A remarkable initiative under her leadership is the creation of “Vraj Bhumi Farm” on 200 acres of common grazing land. By cultivating grass using pond water, the village ensures fodder for cattle and generates local employment. Further, the installation of 10,000 trees and RCC pillars along the farm’s boundary has safeguarded it against encroachment.
Today, Bhimasar boasts of modern amenities: a public library, primary health centre, post office, bank, cowshed, and secondary schools. The village has been the recipient of 13 national awards, reflecting its holistic development.
Sultanpur: A Sarpanch Who Turned Into a Social Reformer
In Sultanpur village, Mr. Shashikant Patel has focused on both infrastructure and social empowerment. A key initiative is the ₹5,000 incentive for families upon the birth of a girl child, reinforcing the “Beti Bachao” campaign.
To promote grey water management, residents with the best kitchen gardens were recognized, leading to a village-wide push for home gardening. Sultanpur also became the first village in Gujarat to install Braille signage in public toilets, ensuring accessibility for the Divyang community.
With 100% Swachh Bharat Mission compliance, Sultanpur has proudly earned the ODF Plus Model Village tag and stands as a symbol of inclusive and sustainable rural development.
Akhod: Environmental Stewardship Through Innovation
Mr. Narendrasinh Solanki, sarpanch of Akhod village in Bharuch district, has steered his village towards becoming an eco-conscious and water-smart settlement.
He pioneered the installation of a nano-based grey water treatment plant, using medicinal substances in the filtration process. The treated water is used for agriculture, helping the village save water and reduce electricity and manpower costs.
Under his guidance, old ponds were deepened and new ones created, while every household was connected with clean drinking water through the “Nal Se Jal” scheme, achieving 100% coverage.
Akhod has also fulfilled all criteria under the Swachh Bharat Mission, receiving various awards for innovation in sustainability. Mr. Narendrasinh’s efforts have turned Akhod into a self-reliant, environmentally sustainable model village.
Three Villages, One Vision: Viksit Bharat
The journeys of Bhimasar, Akhod, and Sultanpur stand as testaments to what grassroots leadership can achieve when driven by service, innovation, and community engagement. Whether in sanitation, education, gender equity, environment, or water management, these villages are not just benchmarks for Gujarat but shining examples for the entire nation.
Their selection as special invitees to the national Independence Day celebrations reflects the centre’s recognition of transformative rural governance and the pivotal role of visionary sarpanches in building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
