Millions of people in Rajasthan, India, are suffering from a water crisis due to the adverse effects of climate
Rajasthan, a desert state in India, has been hit by a severe heatwave. The temperature here has exceeded about 45 degrees. The water level has dropped a lot. About 1.6 million people in Jodhpur are in desperate need of water.
A special train caters to the water needs of these people. Climate change has made life in India miserable for 1.4 billion people.
Wagon trains have been providing water to millions of residents in Rajasthan for more than three weeks. This is now the only water source for the people of the district. Every day the locals stand waiting for the train with buckets, pitchers, and various utensils in their hands.
According to a resident, it is always hot here. We are constantly fighting for water. Every day, people (mostly women and children) gather with plastic jars, cans, or metal containers, waiting for the train to arrive.
Residents fill their underground water tanks by carrying them when they obtain water from the army-green train. Local children and teenagers are compelled to skip school to ensure enough water in the house. This is the most devastating blow to their lives.
Another female resident said, “I can’t ask a family earner to help me with this.” The boss is fighting for food, and we are fighting for water, despite the fact that it is negatively impacting my child’s education. But what to do? These pans are too heavy for me to carry. We are the ones who are affected by the situation.
In recent weeks, millions of people in South Asia have been suffering from heatstroke in the early summer months. India has experienced the warmest March on record.
According to a critical assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), India and Pakistan could face more violent heat waves in the future.
On 16th May, Monday, due to a supply shortage created by the Rasia-Ukraine conflict, India halted wheat exports. The blazing heat has also harmed India’s agriculture system. This year’s wheat production has also decreased. India has halted wheat exports as a precaution.
