In a quiet town like Vasai, a growing water crisis has stirred the normally calm waters. Since June, the residents have been raising their voices against the delay in the implementation of the MMRDA’s Surya Water Supply Scheme, a project intended to bring relief to Vasai’s water scarcity. Various political groups and community organizations, including those aligned with the ruling party, have actively participated in the protests. However, amidst the clamor, the state’s Water Resources Minister, Ravindra Chavan, has chosen to remain silent, leading to heightened frustration among Vasai locals.
Vasai has been facing a severe water shortage, and the Surya Water Supply Scheme was expected to provide 70 to 80 million liters of water to the region by the end of June. However, political activists have stalled the project, demanding credit for the government in the distribution of water. The urgency of the water crisis prompted diverse political factions and community groups in Vasai to launch protests, even resorting to ‘fasting until death’ to draw attention to their cause. Sharmila Raj Thackeray, a prominent figure in the MNS party, was also seen joining the protests, emphasizing the immediate need for water supply.
Raj Thackeray, too, urged the MMRDA to expedite the water supply and voiced his support for the cause. Kshitij Thakur, an MLA from the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, had earlier requested the MMRDA to start the water supply promptly, but unfortunately, the project is yet to see the light of day. Frustration among the people is palpable, with MMRDA officials providing misleading information and deflecting blame.
The ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had plans for the grand inauguration of the water supply project. However, due to Modi’s busy schedule, the event has been repeatedly postponed, leaving the locals in limbo. Rajendra Gavit, a prominent member of the Shinde group, who holds a special position in the Shinde gang’s water squad, had personally participated in the water supply project’s inauguration in Virar and Nallasopara. However, despite assurances from both the state government and the MMRDA, the actual implementation of the project remains uncertain, adding to Gavit’s frustrations.
In the past four months, the water crisis has been a focal point of various protests in Vasai. However, Minister Ravindra Chavan seems to have turned a blind eye to the growing discontent among the residents. His silence on the water issue has only fueled the anger of Vasai residents, who expected their elected representative to champion their cause. The absence of any visible efforts or communication from Chavan has left Vasai residents feeling abandoned in their time of need.
On the other hand, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, a key figure in the BJP, also appears to be losing favor among the people of Vasai due to his perceived inaction on the water crisis. Despite holding a significant position in the state government, Shinde has not been able to address the concerns of Vasai residents effectively. His silence on the matter has further widened the gap between the government and the people.
As the water crisis continues to worsen in Vasai, residents find themselves caught between the political wrangling of the ruling and opposition parties. The blame game and lack of concrete action have only deepened the frustration among the people. The prolonged delay in the implementation of the Surya Water Supply Scheme has become a symbol of government apathy and inefficiency in the eyes of Vasai residents.
In conclusion, Vasai’s water crisis remains a pressing issue, and the people are eagerly awaiting concrete action from their elected representatives. The silence of the authorities and the political bickering have only aggravated the situation, leaving Vasai residents in a state of uncertainty and despair. It is high time for the government to prioritize the needs of the people over political considerations and take immediate steps to address the water crisis in Vasai.
