In the remote village of Maharkhuwa in Beharwara Gram Panchayat, Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, Bundelkhand region, an acute water crisis has gripped the community. Villagers traverse through a forest to reach a small, contaminated 'jhiria' for water, facing significant challenges and consequences in their daily lives.
Impact on marriages and migration
Locals reported that about 60% of the youth remain unmarried as prospective brides are deterred by the severe water scarcity. The lack of water has forced many families to migrate, seeking better living conditions elsewhere, according to the news agency ANI.
Daily struggles for water
Ashok Vishwakarma, a resident, explains, "We walk two to three kilometers through a forest, risking encounters with wild animals, to fetch water. We drink and use the same contaminated water for all purposes, and it's a daily struggle." The absence of roads makes even bicycle use impossible, exacerbating the difficulty.
Political promises unfulfilled
Residents expressed frustration over broken promises by political candidates. "During elections, they promise water solutions, but forget us once elected," Vishwakarma added, urging the government to provide water facilities.
Worsening conditions
Gajaraja Singh, another local, highlighted the worsening situation, noting, "There has always been a water crisis, but it has become severe recently. We face injuries crossing rocky paths to get water, and the conditions are dire."
Social isolation
A local woman shared that relatives avoid visiting due to the water problem, further isolating the community. "We need proper drinking water facilities," she pleaded.
Infrastructure failures
The village's limited infrastructure has failed, with dried hand pumps and a burnt-out tubewell leaving residents without reliable water sources.
Official and political response
Bijawar MLA Rajesh Shukla has written to officials, urging action on the longstanding water issue. An official from the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department stated that efforts are being made to implement government schemes to address the water crisis.
The ongoing water shortage in Maharkhuwa village highlighted a critical need for sustainable water solutions and government intervention to improve the lives of the villagers.
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