Jaisalmer's Tap Water Crisis Sparks Protests Amid Canal Repairs & Heatwave

Jaisalmer water crisis: Tap dryness and local protests amid canal repairs

Jaisalmer, May 23

In the desert district of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, an acute water crisis has triggered widespread resentment among residents. Citizens in several colonies claim that the water supplied via municipal tankers arrives only once every 4 to 5 days, severely aggravating their plight in the blistering summer heat.

Speaking with ANI, a local complained that days have passed since they recieved water, adding that the complaints made to the officials have been of no avail.

"No water comes out of the taps. It has been 10 days now without water...We told officers several times and even submitted an application, but nothing happened," she said.

Responding to the public outcry, Rajasthan Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Executive Engineer Niranjan Meena explained that the disruption was caused by scheduled maintenance work on the local canal network, which began on May 10th.

According to Meena, water tankers are being deployed daily to 7 designated locations in informal (kacchi) colonies under strict monitoring. Furthermore, a new water supply scheme backed by the Chief Minister is slated to expand coverage to previously left-out pockets of the city.

Canal work was completed yesterday, and the main supply lines have been reopened. Normal water supply is expected to fully resume across all affected areas within 72 hours.

"Work on the canal has been ongoing since 10th May; it was completed yesterday. The water supply to the city resumed yesterday...During this period, water was supposed to be conserved and used. This canal closure was done properly, and there was no issue anywhere. Alternate arrangements for water were made in 'kacchi' colonies. Water supply will be properly resumed within 72 hours. As per the directions of the District Collector, water tankers are sent daily to 7 designated locations in special 'kacchi' colonies. People are getting water through that. Colonies where the water supply was affected for any reason it is being supplied under continuous monitoring. As per the announcement by the CM, the water supply scheme is going to be initiated in several areas of the city. The colonies which are left out will be included, and in the time to come, arrangements will be made for them too," she told ANI.

The temperature in Jaisalmer continues to rise, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recording a temperature of 42°C on Saturday morning.

In Bihar's Patna, arrangements have been made at the Patna Zoo to provide relief to the wildlife in view of the rising heat. As the temperature rises, the zoo administration has further strengthened the cooling and care arrangements for the animals.

According to the zoo administration, coolers and fans have been installed for wildlife such as lions, bears, tigers, and chimpanzees, while air conditioners (ACs) have been installed in the snake house. This provides the animals with relief from the intense heat. Water is also being continuously sprayed using water sprinklers. In their diet, the wildlife are being given fruits like watermelon, muskmelon, and bananas.

For the visitors, arrangements for cold water have been made in earthen pots (ghadas) at various places so that they do not face any inconvenience. Visitors are also highly appreciative of this initiative.

Meanwhile, Odisha also witnessed a similar temperature rise, with the IMD forecasting heat waves and humid conditions to continue for the next few days.

Speaking with ANI, IMD Bhubaneswar Director, Dr Manorama Mohanty said, "Several areas are experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 42°C or above at 16 locations and 40°C or above at 24 locations... Heat waves and humid conditions are expected to persist tomorrow as well. This is likely to continue for the next five days. Thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds are very likely in Odisha districts over the next 24 hours. Hailstorms are also likely in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Angul, Dhenkanal, Boudh, and Balangir districts. Therefore, an orange alert has been issued for hailstorms and strong winds... People should be aware of the situation. They are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and to work indoors as much as possible..."

According to updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday, heat wave conditions are very likely to occur during the next 6 days, as per IMD's Daily Weather Report and Forecast Bulletin.

— ANI