Women risking lives amid MP water crisis:Families forced to survive on dirty wells in intense summer heat

As temperatures continue to rise across Madhya Pradesh, the drinking water crisis is worsening in both urban and rural areas. In several villages, women are risking their lives by climbing down into deep wells, while others are digging small pits in dried-up rivers and streams to collect muddy water for survival. Many residents are being forced to travel several kilometres daily to fetch water, while in some areas households are receiving foul-smelling water filled with insects through pipelines. A ground reality check conducted by Dainik Bhaskar across multiple districts revealed alarming conditions in several parts of the state. Khargone villagers protest after water supply stops Temla village in Khargone district has been facing an acute water crisis for nearly a month. Villagers said taps have remained dry for the last five to six days, and water is being supplied for only one hour every three days. Angry residents staged a road blockade protest demanding immediate restoration of regular water supply. Women digging riverbeds and climbing into wells in Sehore In Ramgarh village of Sehore district and nearby areas, women are descending into wells and digging pits in dried-up rivers to collect water. In some villages, people are walking nearly 2 kilometres to fetch water and filtering it through cloth before drinking. Residents said the available water is muddy and unsafe, but they have no other option. See pictures of the water crisis in the state Betul village dependent on contaminated well water In Harimau village of Betul district, the tap water supply scheme has stopped functioning and hand pumps have dried up completely. Nearly 1,000 residents are now dependent on a contaminated well located around 5 kilometres away. Women and children are reportedly standing in long queues for hours to collect water. Villagers in Raisen allege encroachment on government well Residents of Kokalpur village in Raisen district have accused influential locals of illegally occupying a government well. According to villagers, nearly 2,000 residents are surviving on only three to four containers of water per household each day. Locals have demanded administrative intervention to restore public access to water sources. Worm-infested and foul-smelling water in Mandsaur Several areas of Mandsaur district have reportedly been receiving foul-smelling water containing insects and garbage through taps for nearly one and a half months. Residents claimed that despite repeated complaints, the issue has not yet been resolved. Satna villagers forced to walk long distances for water In several villages of Satna district, residents are being forced to travel nearly 2 kilometres daily to fetch drinking water. Locals said the extreme heat and prolonged water shortage have made daily life increasingly difficult.