Rajasthan villagers appoint security guards to prevent water theft

Bikaner, Apr. 1 (ANI): Acute water shortage in Rajasthan is forcing residents of a village near Bikaner to maintain a tight vigil on village water bodies to prevent water theft.

Four security guards have been appointed to protect the pond round the clock from both outsiders and animals.

"There are 8000-9000 villagers in our village, and, they depend on the water for their needs. So, four security guards protect the pond by turns," said Ram Lal, a villager.

Guards distribute water to villagers according to the number of members in each family.

"We guard the water from outsiders. The villagers have appointed us," said Hari Singh, a security guard.

For five years, the area has not received any rainfall.

The state government has declared a drought in twenty-seven districts of Rajasthan. (ANI)