Bombay HC Questions Maharashtra Government on Water Supply Claims in Melghat
MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday expressed dissatisfaction with the Maharashtra government's claims regarding water supply in the Melghat region of Amravati district, observing that several court orders on the issue have only added to record books without leading to concrete action.
A division bench of Justices Ajey S Gadkari and Kamal R Khata was hearing Public Interest Litigations (PILs) concerning malnutrition among children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers in Melghat and other tribal areas of Maharashtra.
The state government's lawyer informed the court that two tankers of water were being provided daily to the affected villages, amounting to approximately 20 litres per person per day. However, the bench questioned the accuracy of these claims and directed the state to verify the actual situation on the ground.
Earlier, on June 22, the High Court had noted that citizens were compelled to approach the judiciary for basic necessities like water even after more than 75 years of Independence. It had criticized the state government for the persistent lack of access to potable drinking water in Melghat and other regions, and sought a time-bound action plan with immediate measures to ensure water supply.
Melghat, a forested and hilly area in the Satpura range, has been a focus of concern due to high rates of malnutrition and inadequate infrastructure. The PILs highlight the interconnected issues of water scarcity and malnutrition, as lack of clean water contributes to health problems.
The court said that merely passing orders without effective implementation burdens the record but does not solve the crisis. It emphasized the need for the state to demonstrate tangible results rather than rely on statements in court.
The bench posted the matter for further hearing after the state files an affidavit providing verified details of water supply arrangements and steps taken to address malnutrition in the tribal regions.
