When no one else would, she climbed in: Woman steps into unsafe well in Idukki
Upputhara: A panchayat member in Upputhara entered a hazardous well to clean it, stating that ensuring safe drinking water for residents was her responsibility. The act was carried out after no one else was willing to step into the unsafe structure. Marina Saneesh, a ward member of Upputhara panchayat in Idukki district, undertook the task.
The public well located in the third division of Cheenthalar does not dry up even during extreme summer conditions. However, the water had been polluted for some time. With no alternative sources available, local residents continued to rely on the same well for drinking water.
The well had not been cleaned for a long period. Its structure had weakened due to age, and both the covering and the internal stone lining were in a dangerous condition. This discouraged people from entering the well.
Cleaning undertaken as part of pre-monsoon work
The Haritha Karma Sena had planned to clean the well as part of pre-monsoon sanitation activities. However, there were no volunteers willing to enter the well due to safety concerns.
Marina Saneesh then stepped forward and entered the well. She removed stones, soil and sludge, collecting them in buckets and baskets.
Members of the Haritha Karma Sena and ASHA workers assisted by pulling the filled buckets to the surface. The cleaning work was completed in approximately four hours, with Marina carrying out the task despite the risks involved.
Well built before Independence, now neglected
The well was constructed before Independence by a British company and was used to supply drinking water to labour settlements in the area.
It is currently under the ownership of the Peermade Tea Company, which has remained closed for 26 years. During the rainy season, contaminated water flows into the well, leading to the accumulation of mud and waste.
Around 200 labour families live in the third division, and many others from nearby areas also depend on the well for water.