Commendable and Admirable Success Story of Kanhewadi (Chakan) Village 

Kanhewadi (Chakan) popularly known as one of the best village is beautifully situated on the banks of Indrayani river at the vintage point where there is culmination of ending boundary of Maval and Haveli jurisdiction in the realm of  Khed Taluka.The total population of the village is approximately 973. Though the agriculture has remained prime source of livelihood to all the people, Kanhewadi village accomplished incredible developments in all spheres of life and also achieved one of the most prestigious ISO-9001-2008 awards and brought laurels in Maharashtra as well as India within a short span of time. This unique achievement has carved the name and fame of Kanhewadi (Chakan) Village as a centre of progress and excellence not only at the national but also international level. Therefore, all the people experienced tremendous academic, economic, social and spiritual transformations and developments leading to saga of glorious awards and recognition by various Governmental as well as non- Governmental organizations. Kanhewadi also becomes an epitome of an ideal village in terms of cleanliness, progress and success in all fields through the sense of dedication, determination, discipline, team work and togetherness.

40 years ago, Kanhewadi (Chakan) village was in miserable and pitiable condition. There was no tar on the road and it created many hurdles in the process of transportation. There was serious problem of drinking water in the village due to contamination. There was no school building and the classes were conducted in the temple premises. The village was entirely neglected and deprived of basic facilities as it is located on the last corner of Khed Taluka. As a result, the entire village was academically, economically, culturally and socially not only undeveloped but also backward.  The village was in terrible plight and experienced plenty of problems as well as poverty. There was no medical facility available in the village.

As every dark cloud has silver lining, the then Sarpanch of the Village through his visionary approach brought all the people of the village together and created unbelievable transformations and renaissance in all the activities of the village. The doors of developments were open to all the people in the village. The road was made through Shramdan by the people and the serious problem of transportation was solved. There was construction of well in order to resolve the problem of drinking water. School building was also constructed for the purpose of providing quality education to the children. During the period the 1989-1995, in every house toilet was constructed in collaboration with Jankidevi Bajaj Trust in the village. As a result, the serious problem of open defecation was solved permanently. The entire environment in the village became very neat and clean due to the facility of the toilets. This also contributed in keeping the people away from various health problems. The cleanliness in the village has attracted attention of everyone in the vicinity.

Kanhewadi Village is recipient of following prestigious Goverment Awards:

• Nirmalgram Award in 2005-2006
• Second Prize in Pune District by Shahu- Phule -Ambedkar Development Campaign
• Grihaswamini Award
• Mahatama Gandhi Tantamukt Award
• Environmental Protection Award (Three Years)
• VasantraoNaik Award (District Level) 
• Selection for “Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha” from the state of Maharashtra National Level Award by Central Government in 2014-2015.

Kanhewadi village is recipient of following prestigious Social Awards:

• Lokmat Gram Gaurav
• Gram Gaurav by Jankidevi Bajaj Trust
• Adarsh Gram by Khed Prathisthan
• Shri Samarth Vrikshmitra Award

Kanhewadi (Chakan) village has become an emblem of cleanliness, development and source of inspiration to others not only in Maharashtra but also in India.