Pune ZP CEO Santosh Patil Inaugurates Eco-Friendly Homes for Katkari Tribal Families in Khed Taluka

Khed, 23rd August 2024: Pune Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Santosh Patil inaugurated concrete houses built by Habitat for Humanity India at Wada in Khed taluka for the Katkari Tribal Families. Also present were Shalini Kadu, Project Director of the District Rural Development System, Vishal Shinde, Group Development Officer, Jonathan Rockford, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity India, Elizabeth Satov, Vice President, Sarpanch Rupali More, Deputy Sarpanch Rohidas Shete, and Village Development Officer Machhindra Mhaske.

Santosh Patil emphasized the importance of making good use of the houses provided to the Katkari Tribal Families, including regular use of the toilets. He also urged the administration to take action in extending the benefits of various schemes, such as house under the centrally awarded Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan, Water Tap Connection under the Jal Jeevan Mission: Har Ghar Jal, Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, to the remaining Katkari families. Patil highlighted the need to improve the standard of living for the Katkari Tribal Families.

Shalini Kadu praised the houses built by Habitat for Humanity India, noting that they are innovative and eco-friendly, which will positively impact the quality of life for these families. Vishal Shinde shared information about various innovative initiatives undertaken in the taluka on behalf of the company.

A total of 41 Katkari Tribal Families live under the Wada Gram Panchayat jurisdiction, and the condition of their houses has been poor. During the rainy season, these houses deteriorated, leading to various health issues. Habitat for Humanity India, in a joint initiative with the Panchayat Samiti and Wada Gram Panchayat, surveyed the Katkari Tribal Families Settlement in Wada and selected 15 needy Katkari Tribal Families for new housing. The company has constructed permanent homes for these families using innovative technologies, including rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels while ensuring the houses are climate-friendly. A sense of satisfaction was evident among the Katkari families as their dream of owning homes became a reality.

On this occasion, representatives of Habitat for Humanity India were felicitated for their innovative work.