Expressing serious concern over rising water scarcity in Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court criticised the state government, observing that it was unfortunate that even after 75 years of Independence, citizens still have to approach courts for access to drinking water.
A bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata said access to clean and potable water is a fundamental right of every citizen and directed the state government to present an actionable plan before the court by Tuesday.
The observation came during the hearing of public interest litigations related to malnutrition, inadequate healthcare, lack of infrastructure and rising child mortality in the tribal-dominated Melghat region of Amravati district.
Petitioners informed the court that Melghat faces severe shortages of clean drinking water during summer.
During an earlier hearing on April 22, the court was told that contaminated water had led to 13 deaths and hospitalisation of 86 people. The court had then directed the government to ensure regular drinking water supply through tankers. The state had informed the court that tanker supply had begun.
However, on Monday, petitioners’ counsel Jugal Kishore Gilda submitted that tanker supply remained highly irregular.
Expressing dissatisfaction, the court said providing water through tankers was not a favour to citizens and reiterated that ensuring access to clean drinking water is the government’s responsibility.
The court further directed the state to submit a concrete plan not only for Melghat but for ensuring regular water supply across Maharashtra.
The petitioners also informed the court that the PILs have remained pending since 1992 and that despite multiple court directions over the years, there has been little change on the ground.
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