Deulghat's Unquenchable Thirst: A Village's Battle for Water Amid Political Promises

Deulghat villagers, located near Maharashtra's Buldhana district, face severe water scarcity, relying on private tankers for survival despite political promises of improvement. As elections approach, residents remain skeptical of candidates' pledges, citing years of unmet needs. The scarcity highlights ongoing infrastructural challenges in rural India.

In Deulghat, a village just seven kilometers from Buldhana district headquarters, residents grapple with acute water scarcity, compelling them to purchase water for daily needs. The village relies on private tankers that fetch water from distant sources, ensuring door-to-door delivery for those affected by the shortage.

Kamalabai, a long-term resident, recounts buying water since childhood, lamenting that elected leaders have failed to resolve the persistent issue. Families, like hers, prioritize purchasing water, spending fifty rupees per drum. Despite the existence of government taps, they remain dry, leaving villagers dependent on private vendors.

Local entrepreneurs, such as Gajanan Katak, operate water delivery services, supplying up to three tankers a day, with residents like Tazim Khan spending two hundred rupees daily to meet the needs of his household of twenty. Frustration mounts as the lack of water forces villagers to chase tankers, underscoring the dire situation.

The problem extends to basic amenities, with villagers buying water for bathrooms. During elections, candidates promise solutions, but the scarcity persists post-elections. With Maharashtra polls set for November 20, skepticism remains high amid grand political assurances.

As the opposition MVA coalition launches a challenge against the ruling Mahayuti alliance, voters reflect on past election outcomes. In 2019's assembly elections, the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Congress secured significant seats, yet essential water issues remain unresolved.

(With inputs from agencies.)