Around 14,000 residents in Uruli Devachi, India are struggling to access clean water. Every day at 7:30 AM, they gather to battle for access to a few cans of water that may be delivered by tanker. They crowd around the vehicle, fighting for their chance to fill a bucket to use throughout the day. The water shortage has become a reality for many communities across India. It’s a worrying illustration of what may happen elsewhere if measures to save water fail.
The residents of Uruli Devachi are demanding a separation as they feel a lack of basic facilities and have paid property taxes for years. Last year, the area was finally merged into PMC limits, but many residents are still struggling. Now, the area is due to get a separate municipal council soon, and all hopes are pinned on shaking off the crushing water shortage.
IT engineer Mithun Shilimkar expressed the frustration that many residents face. Our entire schedule depends on these tankers. It is very frustrating. If the tanker is not on time, or if my family is unable to fill an adequate number of buckets, I will be late for work.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has made efforts to provide regular water supply to Uruli Devachi residents through tankers. However, a long-term solution to the water shortage ultimately depends on how things work out after the formation of their new council.
The situation in Uruli Devachi is just one example of the pressing need for efficient water management and conservation in India. As climate change threatens to exacerbate water shortages in many parts of the world, policymakers must prioritize the implementation of water-saving strategies that create sustainable communities.
