The report cited seeing tribals trying to eke out water from mostly dry wells.
This picture has been used for representational purpose
Palghar tribals are forced to consume contaminated water from several wells, as this is their sole water source. A detailed report in this paper stated that the Palghar inhabitants consume water that is muddy and leads to problems like fever and cough. This is hugely unfortunate, say activists as the Palghar district has enough dams and rainfall.
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The report cited seeing tribals trying to eke out water from mostly dry wells. Some of these wells are filled with a tanker, but there is not enough water for all. There are dams and the water collected in lakes during rainfall is supplied to Mumbai. Unfortunately, because of bureaucracy and red tape, some unpaid water cess, people here are suffering.
It is hugely unfair that people who live near the source of water for cities have no access to that water, and have to make do with muddy water from wells. The report also pointed out that in pandemic time, illnesses like fever or even a cough which may be a result of contaminated water are being mistaken for Covid. On the other hand, the tribals may have very well contracted Covid, and this could be mistaken by them as a water-related illness leading to treatment and testing being delayed. This is a very dangerous phenomenon and we can certainly see a rise in cases here, if people do not know they are infected or even fatalities if relevant treatment is not given in time.
All this while, we have been warned that Covid-19 is moving towards rural areas and the hinterland. This should serve as a reminder to galvanise the powers to solve the problems, dialogue with people, unravel the red tape and see that this area, which many say is rich in water sources, serves its own people. We need speed and unshakeable resolve to do so.
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