Acute water crisis in Akola, unrest brews

Akola: Hundreds of villagers gheraoed Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) office for nearly three hours on Wednesday protesting against the severe water crisis in the saline belt villages of Akola district.

Villagers alleged glaring disparities in the "84 khedi water supply scheme " under Akot tehsil. They said nearly 70 villages receive water every 6 to 8 days, while 14 to 15 villages get water only once in 15-20 days and for only 10 to 15 minutes.

Villagers pointed out that groundwater in the region is saline and unfit even for basic use leaving them entirely dependent on government supply. The situation worsens during the wedding season, with many families struggling to manage basic arrangements. Some residents even claimed that water scarcity is affecting marriage prospects, as families hesitate to send their daughters into villages where water is unavailable for months.

They alleged that the crisis is not natural but is due to poor planning and mismanagement by the authorities.

With Akola being among the hottest regions in the country, the shortage has intensified hardships, especially during peak summer.

A 60-year-old villager, Sharad Dutonde, said, "I have been facing this issue since childhood. For the past 40-50 years, every summer brings the same crisis. Temporary fixes are given, but there has never been a permanent solution," he said.

The protest was called off after officials assured that water will be supplied every four to five days.

However, the villagers warned of intensifying the agitation if assurances are not met. They also demanded a permanent solution to the crisis.