Bhopal, May 30 (IANS) Large parts of Madhya Pradesh continue to reel under severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures ranging between 42 and 46 degrees Celsius in several districts, officials said on Saturday.

The intense heat has triggered an acute drinking water crisis, which has now become a major political issue between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Groundwater levels have declined sharply across the state.

Water supply has also become irregular in many urban and rural areas across the state.

The Congress has ramped up its attack on the BJP government and BJP-controlled civic bodies.

The Congress has accused them of failing to provide adequate and safe drinking water despite huge expenditure under various schemes.

Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar on Saturday alleged that the state government spent thousands of crores under the Jal Jeevan Mission and other drinking water schemes, but ordinary citizens were still struggling for water.

“Today, the people of Madhya Pradesh are yearning for a basic necessity like water. Tribal women are forced to walk several kilometres to fetch water. Children are drinking contaminated water and the crisis in villages is deepening. Yet, the BJP government appears unconcerned,” Singhar said.

He claimed that nearly Rs 25,000 crore was spent under the Jal Jeevan Mission and another Rs 490 crore under the Rural Tap Water Scheme during 2024-26.

However, he alleged that the benefits had failed to reach the public. The water crisis has become visible in several districts across the state.

In Umaria district, videos circulating on social media showed children walking several long kilometres every day carrying containers to fetch water.

Wells and hand pumps have dried up due to the extreme heatwave conditions.

In Tanda village of Guna district, residents were seen digging pits to collect muddy water for drinking and daily use.

Villagers alleged that both humans and animals were forced to depend on the same water source because of the lack of proper supply.

The situation remains alarming in Bhopal, popularly known as the “City of Lakes”. Borewells in several localities have started drying up.

Residents complain that Narmada water supply has reduced drastically. In some areas, water is being supplied for barely 12 to 15 minutes daily.

As shortages intensify, dependence on private water tankers has increased sharply.

Residents said a 5,000-litre tanker, which earlier cost around Rs 350, is now priced between Rs 450 and Rs 500.

The Congress campaign gained momentum earlier this week after Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari staged protests in Indore over water shortages and alleged contamination in drinking water supply.

Patwari claimed that nearly 98 per cent of 240 water samples collected from 29 wards in Indore were contaminated with harmful bacteria.

The BJP rejected the allegations and accused the Congress of indulging in “cheap politics”.

Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava defended the municipal administration and said Congress workers were trying to create unnecessary controversy.

Meanwhile, the state government continues to highlight ongoing pipeline expansion, water conservation and augmentation projects.

However, with temperatures remaining extremely high and public distress growing steadily, the water crisis is rapidly emerging as a major political flashpoint ahead of next year’s municipal elections in the state.

–IANS

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