Nashik district finds itself grappling with a severe water crisis as newly developed colonies within the city limits wrestle with acute water scarcity. Despite the expanding footprint of the city, the sluggish pace of infrastructure development, particularly in laying water channels and constructing reservoirs, has exacerbated the situation, leaving residents in distress, especially during the scorching summer months.
The burgeoning settlements within Nashik are facing a dire shortage of drinking water supply, with the municipality compelled to resort to tanker water supply to meet the escalating demand. The current scenario sees eight tankers making fifty rounds per day to alleviate the water scarcity woes of the affected areas.
The primary water source for Nashik, the Gangapur Dam, is under strain due to challenges such as water diversion for irrigation purposes and the burgeoning population. Consequently, new colonies like Makhalabad, Adgaon, Gangapur village, Chandshi, Nandur Naka, and Pathardi village are bearing the brunt of the water scarcity crisis.
The slow progress in infrastructure development, particularly in laying water channels and constructing reservoirs, has aggravated the situation, intensifying the severity of water scarcity, especially during the scorching summer months. In response, the Municipal Corporation is mobilizing tanker fleets and exploring alternative water sources like nearby wells to address the immediate water needs of the affected areas.
Despite efforts to mitigate water wastage in established areas, the municipality’s endeavors are undermined by persistent negligence. Thousands of liters of water are squandered daily due to inefficient usage practices, including indiscriminate washing of vehicles and disregarding leakages. Regrettably, proactive measures to curb water wastage remain elusive, exacerbating the plight of residents.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the Municipal Water Supply Department has escalated tanker operations to meet the escalating demand. Currently, each tanker conducts five to six rounds daily, with a total of fifty rounds completed per day. However, with the situation anticipated to deteriorate further, additional measures are being contemplated to alleviate the water scarcity predicament faced by Nashik’s residents.
The juxtaposition of wasteful water practices amidst the backdrop of severe water scarcity underscores the urgency for concerted action to address the crisis. As residents contend with the daily struggle for water, it is imperative for authorities to prioritize sustainable water management practices and implement robust measures to conserve this precious resource for future generations.
