Sardarpur (Madhya Pradesh): Residents are facing a severe water crisis after the municipality suspended water supply for five consecutive days, despite recent rainfall in the region.
The disruption triggered widespread distress among locals who are now forced to purchase water at Rs 5 per can.
According to Chief Municipal Officer (CMO) Yashwant Shukla, the crisis has emerged due to a burnt water pump motor. "Water supply will resume once the motor is repaired and reinstalled," Shukla said.
This isn't the first time the town experienced prolonged water shortages. In late January, residents endured eight days without municipal water, which saw councillor Reshma Parvez Lodhi protesting at the municipal council office.
Notably, the ongoing water crisis has particularly affected economically disadvantaged residents who must now rely on hand pumps and privately owned tube wells. Many have no choice but to purchase expensive water from tankers.
Locals raised questions about the working and maintenance of the civic body. Even after a passing of five days, the council was unable to repair or replace a single motor leaving a large number of residents suffering for basic day-to-day necessities.
Villagers demand increase in height of underpass
Kasrawad (Madhya Pradesh): Villagers submitted a memorandum to SDM on Thursday demanding an increase in the height of the underpass being constructed on Navdatoli–Kasrawad road and inclusion of a service road in the project.
Residents from Sayta village expressed concern that the current 15-foot clearance is inadequate for buses carrying Narmada Parikrama pilgrims and for trucks transporting sugarcane, bananas and fodder. They argued that without a service road, the current construction offers no benefit, and people will still be forced to use the main Kasrawad road.
In response, SDM Satyendra Singh Berwa summoned the project manager, Rahul Singh, to review the approved design. Singh informed that while the underpass meets standard height specifications, a service road was not included in the sanctioned project.
Disappointed residents insisted that the service road is essential for accessibility and plan to approach their MP, MLA and collector for intervention. The SDM assured them that the matter would be discussed with senior officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for a feasible resolution.
