Even as heavy rains lash several parts of Maharashtra, villages in the Marathwada region continue to reel under a severe water shortage, with no signs of relief despite the onset of monsoon showers.
According to official data, the number of water tankers deployed in the region has surged dramatically. At the beginning of May, 349 tankers were supplying water to affected areas. However, as of May 23, this number has risen to 573 tankers, now serving 370 villages and 149 hamlets (manors) across the region.
Despite the rainfall activity in many areas of the state, the rains have failed to improve the water crisis in Marathwada. Experts suggest that the scattered nature of the rainfall and inadequate ground-level absorption may be key reasons why water availability has not improved in these drought-prone villages.
Local authorities had anticipated that the pre-monsoon rains would help reduce dependence on water tankers. However, the situation remains grim, and in many places, villages continue to rely entirely on tanker supply for their daily water needs.
The persistent shortage has sparked fresh concerns about water management and long-term sustainability in Marathwada, a region historically vulnerable to droughts and inconsistent rainfall.