This is the time when politicians approach the common man and activists, working on equitable distribution of water across the state, realise that there can be no better time

to grab the attention of the political parties.

“As the political parties are busy preparing their election manifestoes, there is a need to bring the real issues to the fore and compel them to place these on their agenda,” said Mukund Ghare of Rashtriya Janvakalat Adhyayan Kendra.

Ghare said a meeting of all like-minded people will be organised in the city on Saturday to prepare a draft on the water scarcity issue and nearly 150 organisations are expected to participate in it. The draft paper will then be submitted to all political parties.

Sanjeev Ghotage of AFARM said water has already become a serious issue that can only get worse in the coming days. “Water can be an effective solution to the problem of farmer suicides, but it has been ignored so far,” Ghotage said.

Activist Sampat Kale said the conference will also urge the local activists to compel the candidates to make their stand on addressing the water woes clearly during their campaign. He said the government frames its policies in favour of the industries.

The water, supplied for drinking and irrigation purposes, is set to become more expensive while that for the industries will be provided at a cheaper rate, he said.

The activists, under the umbrella of Pani Haka Magani Parishad, had conducted rallies across the state and studied issues related to water shortage in an area-wise manner. All these issues will be taken up at the meeting.

... contd.