The Savda Ghevra Story: How RTI Empowered a Delhi Slum

The story of Savda Ghevra, a resettlement colony in Delhi, India, is a powerful example of how the Right to Information (RTI) Act can be used to improve the lives of citizens. Here's how residents used RTI to overcome challenges:

The Problem:

For years, residents of Savda Ghevra faced a critical issue – inadequate access to clean water. They received only a meager two buckets of water per family every other day. This scarcity made it difficult to meet basic hygiene needs, impacting health and well-being.

Taking Action with RTI:

Empowered by the RTI Act, the women of Savda Ghevra decided to take action. They filed multiple RTI applications:

·         Information Request: The first set of applications sought information on the exact amount of water allocated to the colony compared to the actual amount received.

·         Follow-up Inquiries: Armed with the information from the initial request, they filed follow-up applications to understand the discrepancy between allocated and received water.

Unearthing the Truth:

The RTI responses revealed a shocking truth. The colony was allocated a significantly higher amount of water – 88 tankers per day –  than what they were actually receiving – only 22 tankers delivered sporadically.

Taking it Further:

With clear evidence of the gap, the residents didn't stop there. They filed another RTI to find out where the missing water tankers were going. This additional information put pressure on the authorities to address the issue.

Results and Impact:

·         Increased Water Supply: Due to the persistent efforts and transparency brought about by RTI applications, authorities took action. Each water tanker was fitted with a GPS tracker, ensuring deliveries reached the intended location.

·         Streamlined Water Delivery: Within six months, the water supply situation in Savda Ghevra improved dramatically. Deliveries became regular, and residents received the allocated amount of water, significantly improving their quality of life.

Beyond Water:

 The success of the RTI campaign in Savda Ghevra empowered the residents further. They have continued to use the Act to address other issues in the colony, such as sanitation and infrastructure development.

Significance of the Story:

The Savda Ghevra story exemplifies the power of the RTI Act in achieving positive change. It demonstrates how ordinary citizens, armed with the right to information, can hold authorities accountable and advocate for their basic needs. This story is a beacon of hope, inspiring others to use RTI to improve their own lives and communities.