Akola Battles Severe Water Crisis Amid Record Heatwave Akola is facing a dire combination of an extreme heatwave and a critical water shortage, pushing daily life to the brink for thousands of residents. Temperatures in the city have surged to between 45°C and 46°C, making it one of the hottest regions in Maharashtra. The dual crisis has left households struggling to meet basic needs, with water scarcity intensifying as the municipal corporation has extended water supply intervals to once every six days. Previously, water was distributed every three to four days, but the reduced frequency has exacerbated the situation, particularly for those in slums and lower-middle-class neighborhoods where storage capacity is limited. The city’s primary water source, the Katepurna dam, is at a critical low, holding only 29% of its total capacity. Officials attribute the sharp decline to the prolonged heatwave and rapid evaporation rates, which have reached nearly 17 mm. With the monsoon season expected to arrive in late June or July, authorities are now grappling with the challenge of rationing the remaining water supply. Despite efforts to ensure equitable distribution, the scarcity has left residents in a desperate state, forcing many to rely on costly water tankers or barrels to meet their daily needs. Residents in Shivri and surrounding areas have reported that the crisis has disrupted both livelihoods and daily routines. Women, in particular, have borne the brunt of the situation, often spending entire days collecting and storing water on supply days. This has led to many skipping daily wage work to fulfill their families’ basic needs. “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.#akola #municipal_corporation #katepurna_dam #shivri #amol_doiphode
