Drinking water crisis in MP town worsens

Shivpuri, MP, May 12 (UNI) Clashes are being witnessed among people frequently due shortage of drinking water in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh where people are forced to waste lot of time to arrange drinking water.

Angry residents attacked local councillor Ashok Bhargava's residence yesterday and injured his family members. More than ten incidents of clashes between people were reported in April. However, most cases were resolved later.

Collector Manish Srivastava had constituted various teams under the supervision of the Additional District Magistrate for making water supply smooth. However, the system has not proved effective so far.

While rich and influential families are able to manage the crisis, poor and middle class families are forced to stand in long queues for very little water. Water supplying officials say they have no security to prevent influential people.

Van Vihar residents use their influence to get water supply opened twice. As a result, residents of ward 37 and 39 are deprived of water and have to wait for 8-10 days for water.

Residents admit water crisis but state that it has worsened due to weak distribution system.

Meanwhile, those having hand pumps or wells in the town and nearby areas are making hay.

A 4,000 litre-capacity water tanker is being sold at Rs 150-200, while one has to shell out Rs 1-2 for getting a 15 litre container filled.

Of the 350 government hand pumps in the town, 260 are functional.

Municipality officials claim that 234 water tanker is being supplied in all 39 wards. About Rs 50,000 is being every day on this task.

Shivpuri has not been receiving adequate rainfall since the past 3-4 years and is reeling under drought.

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