Tulshi Village Residents Demand Water Amid Ongoing Crisis
Residents of Tulshi village in Maharashtra protest years of water scarcity, declaring their village 'for sale' to highlight their plight.
Tulshi villagers are protesting against years of water scarcity and government inaction.
The Sina-Madha irrigation project has seen incomplete work for over 26 years, worsening the crisis.
State officials have acknowledged the issue, promising assistance to resolve the water supply problem.
Residents of Tulshi village in Maharashtra's Solapur district have intensified their protests against a prolonged water crisis, symbolically declaring their village 'for sale' with the price set as water. This action reflects their frustration over years of unfulfilled government promises and the ongoing reliance on water tankers, as local wells and farms have dried up.
The village, home to approximately 7,000 residents, has faced severe water shortages for years, exacerbated by incomplete excavation work on the Sina-Madha Lift Irrigation Scheme. Despite the project's canals running close to Tulshi, the villagers have not benefited from this infrastructure. Tulshi sarpanch Sharad More stated that the village experiences annual water scarcity and emphasized the need for immediate government intervention.
Protests have included a hunger strike initiated on September 14 and a 'thali-naad' demonstration outside the Madha tehsil office, where villagers beat utensils to draw attention to their plight. More highlighted that around 800 meters of excavation work near the scheme's outlets has remained unfinished for 26 years, which could potentially resolve the water issues faced by Tulshi.
The ongoing crisis has severely impacted local livelihoods, with many residents dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry. Reports indicate that the lack of water has led to social issues, including around 350 unmarried men in the village due to the inability to support families. The Krishna Valley Development Corporation has approved plans for water supply to Tulshi and other drought-prone areas, but residents remain skeptical about the implementation of these plans.
Looking ahead, the villagers have expressed their determination to continue their protests until a permanent solution is achieved. State Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne has acknowledged the water crisis and assured that the government will provide necessary support. The situation in Tulshi underscores the urgent need for effective water management solutions in Maharashtra, where many communities continue to struggle with similar issues.
