Residents of Tulshi village in Maharashtra’s Solapur district have put up a symbolic ‘Village for Sale, Price: Water’ board to protest a years long water shortage.
The village home to around 7,000 people, is facing severe water scarcity, with farms wells and 14 ponds reported to have dried up. Residents said they are dependent on water tankers for their needs.
Villagers have blamed delays in excavation work under the Sina Madha Lift Irrigation Scheme. According to the village sarpanch, around 800 metres of excavation near the seventh and eighth outlets has remained incomplete for 26 years, despite the canals passing close to the village.
Residents began a hunger strike on September 14 and later staged a ‘thali-naad’ protest outside the Madha tehsil office. They have warned of intensifying their agitation until a permanent water supply is provided.
The water shortage has also affected farming and animal husbandry, which are major sources of livelihood in the village. Residents said several government assurances and proposed projects have not yet resulted in a permanent solution.
Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne acknowledged the issue and said the state government would provide all possible assistance to Tulshi village.