Bhopal, May 31: Madhya Pradesh is currently grappling with extreme heat and severe water shortages. Many districts are experiencing temperatures ranging from 42 to 46 degrees Celsius. The escalating heat has intensified the drinking water crisis, which has now become a significant political issue between the Congress and BJP parties.
The extreme temperatures have led to a drastic drop in groundwater levels. Water supply has been severely affected in both urban and rural areas. In response, Congress has intensified its criticism of the BJP government and BJP-controlled municipalities.
On Saturday, Opposition Leader Umang Singhar accused the government of mismanaging funds allocated for the Jal Jeevan Mission and other drinking water schemes, stating that thousands of crores have been spent while the common people still struggle for water.
He remarked, “The people of Madhya Pradesh are yearning for basic necessities like water. Tribal women are forced to walk several kilometers to fetch water. Children are compelled to drink contaminated water, and the crisis in villages is escalating, yet the BJP government appears indifferent.”
Singhar claimed that approximately ₹25,000 crores were spent under the Jal Jeevan Mission from 2024 to 2026, along with ₹490 crores for rural tap water schemes, but the benefits have not reached the public.
Images of the water crisis are emerging from several districts. In Umaria, viral videos show children walking several kilometers daily to collect water. Due to the intense heat, wells and hand pumps have run dry.
In Tanda village, Guna district, residents have been seen digging pits to collect muddy water for drinking and household use. Villagers report that due to inadequate water supply, both humans and animals are forced to rely on the same water source.
In the capital, Bhopal, known as the ‘City of Lakes,’ the situation is equally alarming. Many areas are witnessing drying borewells. Residents claim there has been a significant reduction in Narmada water supply, with some regions receiving water for only 12 to 15 minutes a day.
As the water crisis worsens, reliance on private water tankers has surged. Locals note that the cost of a 5,000-liter tanker has increased from approximately ₹350 to between ₹450 and ₹500.
Earlier this week, Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari protested in Indore over the water crisis and the quality of drinking water. He claimed that nearly 98% of the 240 water samples taken from 29 wards in Indore contained harmful bacteria.
However, the BJP has dismissed these allegations, accusing Congress of engaging in cheap politics. Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav defended the municipal administration, stating that Congress workers are trying to create unnecessary controversies.
Meanwhile, the state government is highlighting projects related to pipeline expansion, water conservation, and the strengthening of water sources. However, with the severe heat and growing public discontent, the water crisis is becoming a major political issue ahead of the upcoming municipal elections next year.
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