With availability of clean water a common problem, the state is waiting for the monsoons for respite from water-related woes.
Villagers in Limbuni and adjoining villages in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district are in the grip of an acute water crisis. Almost 35 villages situated in the desert region of the Rann of Kutch are suffering due to the absence of proper water supply.
There are no tubewells and the water is saline in content, thus diminishing any possibility of alternate water sources. Other water sources are located at least 10 to 15 kilometres away.
There are water pipelines but the supply is poor and at times almost negligible during the summer. The authorities say that it is a common phenomenon in summers and they send water tankers to the villages regularly.
“During summers the requirement of water for both human and cattle becomes more so there is shortage of water. We send water tankers as an alternate source,” said Jayesh Patel, deputy executive engineer, public sanitary subdivision, Bhabar, Gujarat
Locals, however, allege that water tankers are sent once in four to five days, which is not enough.
“The tanker has come to the village after six days. Many people collected. Some got water, some did not. We face severe water problem,” claimed Zaban Singh.
The water problem in the area is not new. It has been persistent for the past 40 years. The locals have been continuously demanding for their problems to be addressed but to no avail.
“We are facing water problem for the past 40 years. But no one listens to us. We demanded the government for a new pipeline but the demand has not been accepted,” said Harchand Badiya.
Water crisis is not a new phenomenon in India. Many parts of the state experience water shortage in summers especially. Summers pose a difficult time with soaring temperatures accompanied by water shortage. The months of May and June are considered to be the hottest. With mercury almost touching 45 degrees Celsius this year, people have been compelled to endure a tough summer.
Not a drop to drink
There are no tubewells and the water is saline in content, thus diminishing any possibility of alternate water sources.
Some villagers also don’t even wait for dawn and start for the daily chore right from the wee hours of the night.
District authorities, including the area legislator, said that they are working to address the problems faced by the villagers.
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