Tribals in Hilly Areas Start Facing Waters Woes

Adilabad: Residents in tribal and hilly areas are facing drinking water shortages well before summer’s peak, with concerns that the crisis could worsen by March. Locals in Gadiguda, Narnoor, Utnoor, Adilabad Rural, and Indravelli mandals report that borewells are drying up as soaring temperatures lower the groundwater table, threatening water availability.

Officials warn that rising temperatures could further disrupt the Mission Bhagiratha water supply. District authorities in Nirmal, Mancherial, Adilabad, and Komaram Bheem Asifabad are currently repairing damaged pipes under the scheme.

In interior villages of Wankidi mandal, as well as in Tiryani, Lingapur, and Sirpur (U) mandals, residents — particularly Adivasis — are forced to trek long distances to fetch water from dwindling streams and rivulets. “Streams and rivulets are already drying up, and this summer may be harsh. Immediate steps are needed to ensure uninterrupted water supply under Mission Bhagiratha,” said Atram Bheemrao of Indravelli mandal.

Bheemrao also highlighted that cattle are suffering from the heat and urged government action, including funding repairs for damaged borewells, digging new ones, supplying water via tankers, and exploring alternatives such as agriculture wells.