At least 92 villages across four districts in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra are currently dependent on water tankers due to an acute shortage amid the ongoing heatwave conditionssummer season, according to an official report, as per the PTI.
The affected districts include Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Latur and Hingoli.
As of Tuesday, a total of 156 water tankers are supplying water to 92 villages and 36 smaller settlements across the region. The situation highlights the growing strain on water resources as temperatures continue to rise, as per the PTI.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar worst-hit
According to the PTI, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has been the worst affected, with 71 villages and 14 settlements relying on tanker supply amid scorching heat.
Notably, the district is home to the Jayakwadi Dam, one of India’s largest earthen dams built on the Godavari river—underscoring the severity of the current water crisis.
In Jalna, 38 tankers are supplying water to 19 villages and 20 settlements.
Meanwhile, two villages in Latur and one settlement in Hingoli are also dependent on tanker water supply.
Private wells acquired to ease crisis
To tackle the shortage, the administration has taken control of several private wells across Marathwada. So far, 268 wells have been acquired in seven districts, including Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Parbhani, Hingoli, Nanded, Beed and Latur, reported the PTI.
Officials say these measures are aimed at ensuring a more stable water supply until the situation improves.
24-hour water cut in Thane
Meanwhile, several parts of Thane will experience a 24-hour water supply disruption starting Thursday afternoon due to maintenance work being carried out by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), according to the Thane Municipal Corporation.
The civic body said the shutdown will begin at 12 pm on May 7 and continue until 12 pm on May 8. The work involves urgent repairs and upgradation of Barvi gravity pipelines 1, 2 and 3 at the reservoir of the Jambhul Water Treatment Plant.
According to the Thane Municipal Corporation, water supply will remain completely suspended in areas under the Diva, Mumbra (excluding some parts of ward numbers 26 and 31), and Kalwa ward committees during this period.
In addition, a 24-hour water cut will affect Rupadevi Pada, Kisan Nagar No. 2, Nehru Nagar in the Wagle ward committee, and Lower Kolshet village under the Manpada ward committee, the civic body said.
Thane Municipal Corporation has cautioned that water pressure may remain low for one to two days after supply is restored.
Residents have been advised to store sufficient water in advance and use it sparingly, the Thane Municipal Corporation said, urging citizens to cooperate during the maintenance period.
(with PTI inputs)