Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A major protest was staged in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal by Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) residents over severe water shortage on Saturday.
A 3-hour long blockade was staged at Kokta Bypass with people raising slogans against the system.
Later, officials from Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) arrived at the scene accompanied with the police and assured the people of immediate remedial action. Only after this, the protestors could calm down.
Protestors included woman, children
The protest, which began at 9:30 am and continued until 12:30 pm, saw participation from over 100 locals, including women and children.
The residents alleged that for the last several days, they have been unable to avail drinking water, due to which daily life is being badly affected.
One of a protesting resident Kirti Rajput said that there is no water pressure from the corporation tank, and supply is insufficient for daily needs.
Rajput further said that the BMC officials have been contacted several times but, the problem has not been resolved. There is a water problem for the last 25 days, said Rajput.
12 blocks affected
The issue affects residents living in 12 blocks of MIG and LIG flats in Kokta Multi, each block housing 36 flats. Locals said repeated complaints to civic officials have gone unanswered.
Adding to the grievances, residents pointed out that several promised amenities such as CCTV surveillance and security arrangements have not been provided since the flats were allotted. “We were assured of basic facilities, but nothing has materialized. That’s why we had no choice but to protest,” said another resident.
Police and municipal officials later arrived at the scene and assured the crowd that a meeting would be held in the evening to address the issues. Following this, the blockade was lifted.
Residents have warned that if the situation is not resolved soon, stronger demonstrations may follow.
