INDORE: Residents across Indore staged protests and blocked roads on Sunday over a severe water shortage during the ongoing heatwave. The demonstrations disrupted traffic and stranded commuters for hours.
Protesters gathered at several major intersections and demanded regular water supply and more municipal tankers in affected areas. Many residents carried empty utensils and raised slogans against the civic administration. As a result, traffic came to a halt on key routes across the city.
Long traffic jams formed in several areas as protesters occupied roads. Consequently, passengers travelling in buses and private vehicles remained stuck in the heat for long periods. Older people, children and office-goers faced major inconvenience.
Meanwhile, police teams reached the protest sites and worked to restore traffic movement.
Residents alleged that the water crisis worsened after authorities stopped free water distribution in some localities. In addition, several neighbourhoods have received irregular water supply for weeks, prompting repeated complaints and protests.
Local representatives said poor pipeline connectivity in newly developed colonies, a shortage of municipal tankers and falling groundwater levels had intensified the crisis.
Later, officials from the municipal corporation and district administration met protesters and assured them of immediate measures. Authorities said they would deploy additional tankers in affected areas. They also announced plans to improve long-term water distribution across the city.
However, protesters warned of larger demonstrations if the situation does not improve soon.
A similar protest took place in Ratlam district, where residents of a housing complex blocked a road over irregular drinking water supply.
Residents claimed authorities supplied water only on alternate days. They also alleged that tanker services remained inadequate despite repeated complaints.
