Mumbai: MPCC president Harshawardhan Sapkal on Monday said that owing to rampant corruption at all levels in PM Modi’s ‘drinking water for all scheme by 2024,’ it has failed to take off, and Maharashtra is the worst affected state. “Modi had earlier promised safe and clean drinking water in each and every house by 2024, but now, as we have entered 2025, Modi’s assurance appears to be a dream owing to corruption at all levels,” Sapkal said.
Sapkal pointed out that the drinking water situation in rural parts of the state is the worst as womenfolk have to walk several miles for fetching water for routine works and for drinking. In many places, they risk their lives to descend into dry wells for just a pot of water, he said.
He alleged this was not only the failure of govt but it reflected the “grim reality of insensitivity and empty sloganeering.” “The Mahayuti govt has been making huge announcements and promised massive financial provisions, but all claims appear to be hollow. The Central govt in collaboration with the state launched the Jaljeevan Mission action plan, but the plan has failed to take off. Fadnavis must explain how the cost of one tap has increased from Rs 30,000 to Rs 1.3 lakh,” he said.
CM Devendra Fadnavis reacted to the issue of water crisis on Sunday, saying in certain parts of the state, there is acute shortage of water. “It happens in April and May. We have given instructions to collectors to take serious note of the complaints. All-out efforts should made to strengthen water sources in rural parts of the state,” Fadnavis said.