While preparations are in full swing in Rajasthan's Marwar region for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's major event related to the refinery project in Pachpadra on April 21st, dozens of villages in the same area are grappling with a severe drinking water crisis. Amidst grand claims of development and investment, the basic need of the common people—water—has now become the most pressing issue.
Thirsty countryside in the shadow of the refinery
Investment and development plans worth crores and billions of rupees are being discussed in Pachpadra and the surrounding areas. Preparations are underway to gather millions of people, but amid these preparations, the actual situation of the villagers in the area remains extremely worrying. Fresh water is supplied to the villages only every 10 to 12 days, leaving people yearning for every drop of water.
Plans on paper, problems on the ground
The Ummedsagar-Dhava-Kalyanpur-Samdari-Khandap drinking water scheme was intended to ensure regular water supply to the area, but the reality is quite the opposite. Villagers say that water is delivered at very low pressure and in very small quantities, making it difficult to provide even four days' worth of water.
The situation is worst in these villages
Water supply is severely affected in more than two dozen villages, including Samdari, Rampura, Mahesh Nagar, Chirdia, Kharantiya, Majal, Dhidhas, Ajit, Paton Ka Bada, Mohanpura, Girad Ka Dhana, Khejadiyali, and Bhalron Ka Bada. The worsening situation at the beginning of summer has people worried about the coming months.
forced to buy expensive water
Due to water shortages, villagers are forced to purchase water from private tankers. A family is spending around 2,000 rupees per month, while the cost of a tanker has reached approximately 700 rupees. This is placing a heavy burden on economically weak families.
Increased difficulties for livestock farmers
Livestock farming is a major source of livelihood in the Marwar region, but water shortages have hit livestock farmers hardest. They are struggling to decide whether to use limited water to meet their family needs or quench their animals' thirst.
The system has been broken for three years
Water supply has been poor in many villages in the Kalyanpur area for the past three years. Residents say the lack of regular water supply is disrupting daily activities. The situation is so dire that in some areas, cases of water theft and the sale of tankers at exorbitant prices are being reported.
Questions raised on the administration
Villagers allege that negligence and lack of monitoring by the relevant departments are worsening the situation. Despite repeated complaints, they have not received any resolution, and officials don't even answer their phones.
Villagers' demand—a permanent solution is necessary
Local residents have demanded a permanent solution to the drinking water crisis, urging the administration to repair pipelines, regularly monitor water supplies, and ensure the availability of government tankers when needed.
While the refinery in Marwar is being hailed as a symbol of the state's development, the people of the same region still struggle for basic necessities like water. This raises the question: will this radiance of development remain incomplete until every village has access to basic amenities like water?
