Seven water-scarce villages in Surat to boycott elections

Irked by acute shortage of water, residents of seven villages in the coastal belt of Surat district have decided to boycott the general elections. The decision was taken during a meeting of village leaders on Sundayevening at Saras village. A resolution was passed to this effect. The villagers also decided to take up the issue before the administration and politicians.

The villages – Orma, Sarol, Kasaaba, Kuvaad, Saras, Kapasi and Narthan –in the coastal belt of Olpad taluka of Surat district have been facing acute shortage of water for drinking and agricultural needs. Despite repeated reminders, the administration failed to solve their issue. Such is the situation that cultivation on 1,000 hectare land at these villages is on verge of getting damaged.

“Water supply has been irregular for past seven-eight months in all these villages. We met officials of concerned departments, but got just promises. Even politicians failed to improve the situation. To express our anger against the administration, we have decided to boycott elections,” said Vasant Patel, a resident of Orma.

During the meeting, it was also decided that villagers would cast their vote only after politicians promise permanent solution to their problem. Representatives of water mandlis have decided to resign from their posts if the irrigation department fails to fulfill their demand within a week. There are more than 25,000 voters in seven villages.