In Maharashtra’s Marathwada alone, reportedly more than 1430 farmers have committed suicide since January 1, 2015, leaving more than 3500 children extremely vulnerable according to an analysis report recently released by World Vision India. As reported, 28,000 villages have been hit by drought in the state, across 20-22 districts. The drought brought on by a delayed and inadequate monsoon and made worse by inefficient management of available resources and high sugarcane cultivation, has deepened the distress for its cultivators.
Here is a glimpse of how farmers in Nanded district are struggling to cope with the severe shortage of water.
Villagers of Deothana crowd around the village well to fetch water for their families. The ground water level has been gradually declining over a period of time.
The village of Deothana one of the regions in Maharashtra that has been affected by drought. 326 families reside in the village. Children also accompany their parents to fetch as much water as they can get. 368 children of the Deothana village are confronted with the challenge of finding access to water during severe drought. Whatever water they are able to bring back home is used to cook, clean, drink and give their cattle.
Villagers of Jambhli fetching water from the only source in the village; an open well.
The village of Jambhli is one of the regions in Maharashtra that has been affected by drought. 450 families reside in the village. Children also accompany their parents to fetch as much water as they can get. 650 children of the Jambhli village are confronted with the challenge of finding access to water during severe drought. Whatever water they are able to bring back home is used to cook, clean, drink and give their cattle.
Mostly people in the community are daily labourers and farmers. The drought has disputed their lives and adversely affected their sources of livelihood. Due to lack of water the farmers are unable to cultivate their crops and the daily labourers are unable to go to work as they are now engaged in the activity of collecting water for their families.
The level of water in the well decreasing in Sawargaon Mal village.
The only bore-well is 4 km away. Residents gather around the well to get access to whatever limited water is available. The Sawargaon Mal village is one of the regions in Maharashtra that has been affected by drought. 117 families reside in the village. Children also accompany their parents to fetch as much water as they can get. 278 children of the Sawargaon Mal village are confronted with the challenge of finding access to water during severe drought.