Water Policies for Drought Prone Areas- A case Study of Jalyukt shivar

Water is the most essential material for human survival. Without water, life as we know it would not be possible. Yet, these days, clean drinking water is a scarce resource in many parts of the world, including India. Recent events in Maharashtra, Latur to be more specific are real eye opener. The situation in the Latur city is alarming to say the least. Everyday thousands of people queue up in front of public hydrants leading to fights. But for the imposition of Section 144 of the IPC preventing large gatherings, there could have been riots. Those, who can afford, have already left the city in search of greener pastures. The authorities concerned have been unable to provide drinking water in the promised quantities. As everywhere, it is the poor who are suffering the most. Habitants have also pointed at the presence of factories which excessively draw ground water. Wrong agricultural practices too have adversely affected the ground water resources.There are many towns in the Marathwada region itself where the situation is only marginally better. Other parts of country are not spared too. Loss of agriculture is a major issue of concern.