The political heat has been rising in Madhya Pradesh due to the severe water shortage that is now confronting them in the context of the current heat wave. Frontman of the opposition party, Umang Singhar, has launched an attack on the state government accusing them of not taking any steps to solve the severe drinking water shortage despite spending thousands of crores on water-related schemes.
The state is witnessing not just extreme weather but a serious situation regarding water and survival too, said Singhar. He quoted reports from various parts of the country, such as Bundelkhand and Mahakoshal, where people are facing difficulties in getting even drinking water. He said women and children were forced to walk far everyday to fetch water, and in some villages, children were reported to be climbing deep pits and wells to fetch water, putting their lives at stake.
The opposition leader raised doubts on the effectiveness of major schemes of the government such as Jal Jeevan Mission and rural drinking water schemes. He noted that these projects had been allocated huge funds, but many communities still suffer from severe lack of these facilities. He inquired, “If they aren’t able to get clean drinking water, where are the funds?
Singhar also lashed out against the government for giving importance to publicity and not essential services. He said that the state was heavily in debt but many people still don’t have the basic necessities. He said that people don’t require promotional campaigns or political promises, they require water supply that is reliable.
The comments have heightened the political aspect of the current water shortages, and the government is being increasingly pressured to enhance water supply systems and deliver prompt relief to affected communities in summer.