Educational Visit to Belakota Dam under Family Adoption Program

An educational field visit to Belakota Dam, Mahagaon, was organized on 21/02/2026 from 01:30 PM to 04:30 PM (3 hours) for MBBS Phase III Part I students as part of the Family Adoption Program (FAP) under the Community Medicine curriculum. The primary objective of the visit was to help students understand the interrelationship between community health, the environment, and sustainable development, while simultaneously strengthening their engagement with adopted rural families.

During the visit, students studied the vital role of water resources in community health and livelihood. They assessed the impact of dam irrigation on agriculture, nutrition, and the socioeconomic status of local families. The program also enabled students to observe important environmental and ecological aspects related to water storage and distribution. Special emphasis was placed on sensitizing students to public health concerns such as waterborne diseases, sanitation, and access to safe drinking water, thereby promoting experiential learning beyond the classroom.

The visit began with an orientation session in which faculty members briefed students on the significance of the dam in supporting the local community. This was followed by a guided tour of the dam site, reservoir, and irrigation channels. Engineers and technicians explained the design, construction, and operational aspects of the dam. Students actively interacted with nearby residents to understand their dependence on dam water for agriculture, drinking, and domestic purposes. Basic health surveys were also conducted to identify common water-related health issues such as diarrheal diseases, vector-borne illnesses, and nutritional concerns. Additionally, students observed ecological features including fishery activities, afforestation efforts, and biodiversity around the reservoir.

The visit provided valuable insights into the role of dams in rural development and water security. Students recognized the importance of safe water practices in preventing disease outbreaks and appreciated how community participation in water conservation and sanitation directly influences health outcomes. The experience significantly enhanced their practical understanding of the social determinants of health by linking theoretical medical knowledge with real-world community challenges.

Students reflected that the field visit offered a holistic perspective on the relationship between environmental resources and public health. It enabled them to apply classroom concepts of epidemiology, sanitation, and nutrition in a real-life context while reinforcing their sense of responsibility toward adopted families under the Family Adoption Program.

In conclusion, the visit to Belakota Dam successfully bridged the gap between theoretical learning and field-based exposure. It highlighted the importance of community-oriented medical education in addressing public health challenges. The Department of Community Medicine plans to continue organizing such initiatives to strengthen practical learning and foster meaningful student–community partnerships.

A total of 143 participants attended the program, including 7 faculty members, 133 students, and 3 external participants (one dam engineer and two technicians).