INDORE: Residents across the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh are grappling with a severe water crisis, with many areas receiving water only once every two days amid intense summer heat, according to media reports.
The shortage has triggered protests, road blockades and clashes over water tankers in several neighbourhoods. Residents complained of waiting for hours for tanker supplies, while many women were seen carrying empty containers over long distances in search of water.
Borewells Dry Up, Tanker Dependence Rises
The crisis has intensified in both eastern and western parts of the city, where several colonies now depend entirely on water tankers after borewells dried up due to falling groundwater levels. In many areas, families lined up drums, buckets and storage tanks outside their homes while waiting for tanker deliveries.
Public anger spilled onto the streets as residents staged demonstrations and accused civic authorities and elected representatives of failing to ensure regular water supply. Opposition Congress workers reportedly held protests at all 22 zonal offices of the municipal corporation and smashed empty earthen pots to highlight the crisis.
At Tapeshwari Bagh, protesters gathered near a water tank and raised slogans against the administration. Angry residents allegedly damaged a hydrant, following which municipal employees filed a police complaint.
In Vikas Nagar, residents joined local councillors in blocking roads to demand immediate water supply. People in Veena Nagar also staged a sit-in protest after overhead tanks were not filled adequately. Some residents warned of demonstrations outside the homes of public representatives if the situation did not improve.
Residents Allege Irregular Supply
Residents said water supply had become increasingly erratic.
“Water is coming only once in two days,” several locals complained.
Others alleged that despite irregular Narmada water supply, they continued to receive full water bills.
According to media reports, the municipal corporation said the crisis worsened after more than half of the city’s borewells dried up. To manage the shortage, authorities deployed hired tankers, civic body vehicles and supply from Narmada project reservoirs to distribute water free of cost.
Officials also appealed to residents to report any driver or staff member demanding money for water supply through helpline numbers or the 311 mobile application.
Crackdown on Illegal Water Sale
According to reports, authorities recently inspected tanker operations in the Rani Sati Gate area following complaints of illegal water sale. Officials allegedly found a tanker operating without an authorised municipal corporation sticker and supplying water illegally in Parshwanath Jain Colony.
Authorities later seized the tanker and imposed penalties on the operating agency. Similar action was reportedly taken against unauthorised tankers operating in the Lasudia Mori area.
Officials said efforts were continuing to ensure water supply reached affected localities.
