Indore witnesses violent protests for drinking water

Police today baton-charged protesters, who were demanding adequate supply of drinking water in the city.

Indore, (MP) May 14 : Police today baton-charged protesters, who were demanding adequate supply of drinking water in the city.

Protestors belonging to the opposition Congress party in the State had gathered outside the office of the Municipal Corporation of the city and demanded a solution to their water and electricity woes.

As angry protesters tried to barge into the civic agency's office, police used force to stop them and even fired teargas shells.

"They (angry mob) tried to get through the gates forcefully but the police refused to let them enter. The crowd got angry at the refusal and pelted stones at the police. Hence the police had to use force and tear gas to disperse the crowd," said Manoj Shrivastava, additional Superintendent of Police.

The agitated Congress activists said, the State Government has failed to solve their water and power shortages and let loose the police on them when they demanded it.

"There is no water or electricity here. People voted for this government, which promised water and electricity. Today the situation is so bad that if people demand their rights then they are baton charged for it," said Shobha Ojha, a Congress activist.

Shortage of water during summer months is a perennial problem in several regions of the State and growing population has added to the water woes.

Indiscriminate pumping of groundwater sources for irrigation needs and domestic consumption has critically depleted the aquifers.

Ponds, wells and hand pumps dry up during summer months and people very often have no access to drinking water for days together.A World Bank report says, by 2020 the country's demand for water will exceed all sources of supply.

ANI