Maharashtra: Villagers Lock Water Tanks Amid Extreme Heatwave
Akola, 21st April 2025: As temperatures in Akola district soar above 44°C, villages in the region’s saline belt are grappling with an acute water shortage, prompting desperate measures such as locking up drinking water to prevent theft.
In Ugwa village, residents have turned to storing large quantities of water in plastic tanks and barrels—enough to last nearly a month. These containers are often locked up to stop neighbors or passersby from stealing the precious resource.
“Water has become more valuable than cash here,” said a local resident. “We don’t get regular supply. Sometimes, we have to wait over a month—45 to 60 days—for the taps to run, and even then, it’s only for a short while.”
The infrequent government-supplied water forces many to rely on private tankers, which can cost around ₹600 per delivery—a steep price for most villagers. If water is stolen or wasted, the wait for the next supply can be unbearably long.
The water crisis is not just disrupting daily life, but also impacting the social fabric. Locals say that marriages are being delayed or called off, as families refuse to send their daughters to water-starved villages. “It’s become hard for boys to find brides. No one wants to send their daughters into a life of struggle,” added another resident.
Local panchayat member Sachin Baha expressed frustration over the administration’s failure to implement the long-promised “84 Khedi” water scheme. “The scheme exists only in government files. Despite repeated requests, there’s been no action. If this situation continues, we have no option but to protest,” he warned.
With the summer intensifying and no immediate relief in sight, residents say they’re left to fend for themselves—rationing every drop and hoping for change.
