BHOPAL: As MP waits for the revival of monsoon, almost a lakh people of Panna city are facing severe water crisis.
Dharampal Sagar — the lake which is the only source of water in the city has dried up and water is being supplied after every two days The lake has turned into a playground. A temple, in the middle of the lake — which used to be otherwise submerged is attracting devotees to perform puja.
85-year-old Savita Sharma, said this is the first time she has seen the lake in such codnition. “The government is responsible for this... money in crores was sanctioned for the revival of the canal, constructed by former royals of Panna, but we do not see any result of the work.”
The ancient lake along with a smaller lake Nirpat taal have dried up leading to decline in the water table of all the wells of Panna.Now the water is being supplied from Lokpal Sagar meant for irrigation. A spokesperson of the local municipality said, “Now water would be supplied alternate day”.
Residents say, water in Panna is being supplied after a gap of two days and that too only for few minutes.
Water tankers are used to supply water in the city of about one lakh population.
There is no guarantee of a monsoon and it has already been delayed. The only way out is to revive the old canal system –Kilkila canal- to bring water to the lakes, said residents. The canal system was created in such a way that it would bring all the water from the hills to the three lakes, they said.
