Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh): Even as Chhattisgarh continues to be affected by an acute water crisis, with wells gone dry in several districts of the state, an alleged water theft from a check dam in Chulghat village of Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district on Thursday, has dealt a further blow to the already suffering population.
Unidentified miscreants reportedly broke into the dam and stole all the water that was stored in the check dam for emergency purposes.
Following the theft and non-availability of clean water, the residents of Chulghat village are being forced to use unclean water sourced from water holes storing murky rainwater.
"We are bathing with the water stored in water holes. We have to travel far to get clean drinking water, " said a villager.
Another villager said, "we have to take bath in the murky and smelly water as we don't have any other option."
The check dam had been serving as a reservoir for the residents of Chulghat village, who are battling with groundwater scarcity following the intense summer heat.
As the villagers continue to bear the dearth of water, they still await a response from the authorities concerned.
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Speaking to ETV Bharat SL Dwivedi, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Department of Irrigation and Water Resources, said, "I don't know anything regarding the matter. I will have to check. If any such thing has happened we will surely take necessary action."
