Activists of the Communist Party of India (CPI) staged a protest demonstration in front of the Kalaburagi City Municipal Corporation office on Monday, accusing the State government of failing to provide safe drinking water to people amid the severe summer heat.

The protest was part of a district-wide agitation called by the CPI in all taluk headquarters demanding immediate measures to address drinking water crisis.

Addressing the protesters, CPI district secretary Maheshkumar Rathod said that people across Kalaburagi district are facing acute shortage of drinking water as temperatures have soared this summer.

“People in Kalaburagi city, taluk headquarters and several villages are forced to spend the entire day looking for drinking water. Even where water is available, it is often hard water and unfit for consumption,” he said.

Mr. Rathod accused the administration of remaining indifferent despite the hardships faced by the public and urged officials to come out of their air-conditioned offices and take immediate steps to resolve the crisis.

CPI district assistant secretary and labour leader Prabhudev Yalasangi said that workers are among the worst affected as they have to continue working outdoors in extreme heat without access to adequate drinking water.

“Workers are falling ill and ending up in hospitals because of lack of proper drinking water. The administration must arrange clean and chilled drinking water facilities in public places, market areas and locations frequented by workers and students,” he said.

CPI district council treasurer Bhimashankar Madiyal said that people in the district are also facing problems relating to roads, healthcare services and electricity supply and urged the State government to focus on improving basic civic amenities.

Another CPI assistant secretary Padmavati Patil said that women and children are bearing the brunt of the water crisis.

“Women are under tremendous stress as they have to manage households while struggling to fetch water. Inadequate access to safe water is affecting the health of women and children,” she said and added that the situation could have long-term consequences for children’s well-being.

During the protest, CPI activists carrying red flags raised slogans and displayed empty pots in front of the municipal corporation office.

A memorandum was later submitted to the civic authorities.