Akola reels under water crisis amid searing heat

Akola: Akola is grappling with a double crisis of an intense heatwave and acute water shortage, pushing daily life to the brink for thousands of residents. With temperatures soaring between 45°C and 46°C, the city is among the hottest in Maharashtra, leaving people battling both extreme heat and a deepening drinking water crisis.The situation has worsened after municipal corporation extended water supply intervals to once every 6 days. Earlier, supplied every three to four days; the reduced frequency now has severely impacted households, especially those in slums and lower middle-class areas where storage capacity is limited.Ironically, while the administration continues to advise residents to stay indoors between 12 pm and 5 pm, remain hydrated, and use coolers or fans to cope with the heat, the ground reality tells a different story. With inadequate access to water, even basic needs like drinking, cooling, and maintaining hygiene have become a struggle. The city's primary water source, Katepurna dam, currently holds only 29% of its total capacity. Officials attribute the sharp decline to continuous heatwave conditions and rapid evaporation, recorded at nearly 17 mm. Authorities now face the challenge of rationing this limited stock until arrival of the monsoon in late June or July.In Shivri and adjoining areas, residents say the crisis has disrupted both livelihoods and routines. Women, in particular, bear the brunt, often spending entire days collecting and storing water on supply days, forcing many to skip daily wage work."We live in small houses with no space or means for large storage. Small utensils can't hold enough water for five to six days. Water is essential for survival—without it, no one can live. We are left with no choice but to buy water through tankers or barrels," said a resident.Amol Doiphode, an engineer with Akola municipal corporation's water board, said the extended supply is a step to ensure equitable distribution. "We urge citizens to use water judiciously so that supply can be sustained in coming weeks," he said.