PONDA: The locals from Bonbag, Panaspani, Ghotawada, Chafalwada, Dattagarh, Ashewada and other areas in Bethora Panchayat have complained of facing acute water shortage for the last two months despite several complaints to the PWD Water Supply Division, here.
They have now threatened to launch a morcha on the department if the situation does not improve.
The locals charged that that despite several complaints to PWD they are facing water crisis during the summer which is an annual problem and demanded that the department and Shiroda MLA Subash Shirodkar solve the water problem.
The locals complained of receiving irregular water supply that too at late night with very less pressure and hence they are forced to depend on water tankers.
They said on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government via TV advertisements has been urging the locals to wash hands and maintain cleanliness to fight against the coronavirus. If there is acute water shortage how can the locals fight the disease?
It is pertinent to note that with the setting up of an industrial estate in the Bethora Panchayat jurisdiction over the past two decades, the population has increased to a great extent. The residents complained that despite the rising population, the old pipelines still supply water, which is not sufficient to meet their needs. The water through old pipeline does not reach the hilly localities which has forced the locals to cover long distance in search of water.
The locals have now demanded that the water supply be improved by replacing the old pipelines.
They have also demanded that water storage tanks be sold at subsidised rates to meet the water requirement during the summer.
