<span style="color: #222222;">For the first time after independence, tap water came to Mhaismal village of Nashik district in Maharashtra a few days ago. The villagers for whom it was like an impossible dream turned into reality after generations, celebrated the moment like a festival. They danced to the tunes of traditional instruments and literally took out a water rally throughout the village. The synergy of local villagers and enthusiast social groups carried out the herculean task completely with the help of public participation for one and a half years. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">AIR Correspondent reports, Mhaismal village in Surgana taluka of Nashik district had been severely affected by water scarcity for decades. It was part of a regular routine for the women from this village to roam for miles to fetch water for household use.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"><br />'' The issue was highlighted by nationwide media in recent years. With a determination to solve the hardships for water and address the problem permanently, local villagers and a city based NGO came forward. Social activist Pramod Gaikwad who led the team, said that the villagers worked hard for a year and a half. He said that the positive response to social media calls for the project provided timely aid and much needed optimistic spirit to everyone associated with the task. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">He informed that villagers dug a well, gram panchayat helped to build a water tank and finally the water reached the village. Gaikwad said with public participation as many as 18 villages in the district have become tanker-free.</span><br />''