India's Padampur Hit By Drought

People in India are facing a severe water crisis as temperatures soar and water shortages become rampant.
Padampur in India's eastern state of Orissa.

As mercury soars over the Indian subcontinent, the town in this drought prone area, is facing a severe water crisis.

The water supply to the town comes mostly from the Ong River. But the river has dried up and residents here are struggling to cope.

[Parvati Gohil, Padampur Resident (Hindi)]:

"There are lots of problems because of the water shortage. The water tankers provided by government departments have given us some relief. Without them there would be no water anywhere. People are quarrelling over water. Sometimes we don't get any at all."

As people go about their daily lives under the summer heat, there simply isn't enough supply to meet demands. The ground water level has shrunk from 160 feet to 230.

Locals collected water in any available container, as the administration began distributing water from wells near the town.

[Pravat Bhoi, Sub Collector of Padampur (Hindi)]:

"It has not rained since September 2008. The Ong River has dried completely. There are around three or four deep bore wells outside town. So we lift water from there in tankers and supply it in the town."

The government has promised a more effective plan to ensure all those affected have a steady water supply. But it has yet to materialize - and the wait for water continues.

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News & Politics

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• ntdtv
• India
• Padampur
• Orissa
• Water
• Drought
• Ong River