‘Centre’s decision to send water to Latur by train admirable’

In a letter to the Prime Minister, he said the people of Delhi are ready to send 10 lakh litres of water per day to Latur for the next two months and demanded that the Centre make arrangements for transportation.

“Latur is going through an acute water crisis. The Central government has decided to send water to Latur by train. This is an admirable step.

“It will be shameful for the entire country if anyone dies due to water crisis in India in the 21st century. It is the responsibility of the entire country to help the people of Latur,” he said.

“Delhi also faces water shortages. But considering the sinister situation in Latur, it is our responsibility to help people there. If you find it appropriate, you may appeal the Chief Ministers of other states in this regard. I am sure they will also extend a helping hand,” he added. 

Steam-washed railway wagons rolled into town on Tuesday bearing water for the residents of Latur city, the town which has suddenly become the face of Marathwada’s acute water scarcity. 

That scarcity, and the agrarian crisis emerging from consecutive drought years actually has its epicentre in three districts of the Marathwada region — Latur, Osmanabad and Beed. But it’s Latur city, whose five lakh population has necessitated the water trains, that is making headlines.

Admittedly, those headlines in recent months have revolved around the water scarcity — clamping of Section 144 of the CrPC prohibiting crowds around water bodies, about the sudden death of a woman while waiting for water in a queue, about the early closure of schools and coaching classes in order to nudge migrant students back to their home districts and thereby reduce demand for water.