Rainfall patterns altered by climate change and worsened by inequity in the water distribution system has led to a water crisis in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. This has led to a spurt in water related violence and conflicts so shocking, we thought they were predicted to take place only in the next 50 years. The local incident mentioned in the news report above was one among many where a mob of about six people killed a family for illegally drawing water from the municipal supply even as onlookers rushed back and forth to collect water before the pipe ran dry.
The incident, which occurred in a below poverty line (BPL) settlement, is yet another validation of how climate change is having much more impact on the poor, especially in the developing world.
Since 2008, the duration and frequency of rainfall in major parts of the state of Madhya Pradesh has been decreasing. Water levels in all major water bodies in have fallen to alarming levels. As a result, most parts of the state including the capital city of Bhopal is receiving almost half of the volume of water required to fulfill the population’s needs. The poor are the most impacted and drinking water is being supplied only about once every 4-5 days in the slums and other poorer localities
There is a simultaneous increase in the number of violent clashes and over 50 of them have been reported in capital city in the month of May. Media reports suggest that since January over 12 people have been killed and dozens other injured mostly fighting over a bucket of water. And such fights are becoming more frequent and of regular occurrence. The situation has also severely impacted the public health and safety system.
The price for social and environmental inequity continues to be paid with each passing day.
– from ecoworldly