In parched Latur, 10000 litres water used up for BJP minister's helipad

Mumbai: At a time when several parts of Maharashtra are facing severe water crisis, thousands of litres of water were used for a make-shift helipad at a village, close to the airport, where Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse landed for reviewing the drought situation in Latur district.

Local officials used 10,000 litres of water to clean the helipad at Belkund village where the minister paid a visit to review the drought and water scarcity relief measures on Friday.

Read: Latur: Poojas, mantras welcome special train carrying 5 lakh litres of water

Incidentally, Belkund is just around 40 km from Latur. When asked about this "wastage" when Latur is being supplied water through rail wagons, Khadse, a senior BJP leader, said he wasn't aware of the issue.

Opposition NCP termed the use of water as "arrogance" of power" by the BJP-led government.

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik told PTI the incident shows the government is "non-serious" on drought and has become "arrogant" due to power.

Read: Arvind Kejriwal offers 10 lakh litres of water to drought-hit Latur

"The minister could have landed at Latur where there is a proper airport and then driven to the village in a few minutes. But Khadse wanted to insult people in the drought-affected area who are struggling for a single drop of water," he said.

Read: ‘Water train’ reaches parched Latur after 18-hour journey

Latur is one of the worst-affected districts in Marathwada region and of late two special trains carrying water were rushed to the parched city to tide over the crisis.