After six months, Latur gets tap water

It was cheers and tears in Latur in the drought-hit Marathwada region, where people got tap water for the first time in six months on Monday.

Downpour over the weekend filled up small dams and streams. “It was a moment of happiness and emotions,” several Laturkars said, when water ran from taps in some of the localities on Monday morning. Water level in the Manjara river, the lifeline of Latur city, has increased, but the dam on it is yet to fill. Several small dams, ponds and streams are overflowing. The Sai and Nagzari barrages are full and this was a matter of relief for the Latur Municipal Corporation.

“In fact, we are ready. We had a proper plan that once we have water,we should supply it in 24 hours…we held several meetings in the past. On Saturday and Sunday, it rained heavily and we managed to supply water on Monday, as decided within 24 hours,” an elated Latur Mayor Deepak Sul said.

 “The water problem has reduced, almost over for now,” added Latur Municipal commissioner Sudhakar Telang.

For almost six to eight months, piped water supply  was stopped in stages across Latur and water was supplied by tankers. Jaladoot, the 10-wagon water train—each wagon carrying 50,000 litres of water—made its 100th run last week from Sangli to Latur. The train started its first journey on April 11 and reached Latur on April 12. Before pipewater was stopped, Latur city was getting water in its taps once in 15 days.

“& it pours in Latur. Work done by @JalyuktLatur shows results. hoping the rain gods keep showering their blessings,” tweeted actor Riteish Deshmukh.

Residents too cheered on social media and posted pictures of water bodies filled to the brim.
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