The Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to take steps on a war footing to address water scarcity and drought.
A division bench of Justices VM Kanade and MS Karnik said, “Time is running out. The next two-three months are very crucial. Unless you (government) do something on a war footing basis, there will be a disaster. You need to find a permanent solution.”
The bench said, “It is common knowledge that several villages and cities in Maharashtra are facing severe water shortage. Thousands have committed suicide in Marathwada and Vidarbha region of the state due to the drought-like situation. If firm steps are not taken immediately then there will be further destruction.”
The court was hearing a PIL by Professor HM Desarda from Pune seeking to quash the state government’s decision to release one thousand million cubic feet water for every ‘shahi snaan’ at Kumbh Mela, given the water scarcity. Earlier, the HC had earlier directed the government to not release water for the ‘shahi snaan’ and said water should be released only for drinking and domestic purposes.
According to a government resolution on September 7, the government had taken note of water scarcity in different parts of the state and recorded that till there is adequate rainfall, district collectors will have to preserve water in various dams for drinking purposes. The court had noted, “Though according to policy, utmost priority needs to be given for drinking water, in practicality it is being given to ‘shahi snaan’. Prima facie permission granted by the collector is completely contrary to the government’s decision.”
The state government was directed to file an affidavit and the matter is scheduled to be heard next week.
The HC had earlier directed the govt to not release water for the ‘shahi snaan’ during Kumbh Mela
