For the last three months, the sole source of water for the cramped Dargah Galli in Dockyard Road was a fire hydrant. Officially, the area has had water taps in its hutments since January 2023. But in October last year, despite having documents like electricity bills, Aadhar cards, ration cards and past water supply bills, the residents were getting little or no water in their houses.

While everyone complained, lined up at the fire hydrant or dipped into their savings to buy water from tankers, two women decided it was time to do something. Umera Sheikh, a mother of three, met sister Florina Joseph of the Vimla Vikas Kendra last December to discuss what could be done. The VVK is the empowerment wing of the local Our Lady of Rosary School, where Sheikh’s eldest daughter, Amrin, studies currently in Class VI.