The Elgar Workers' Organization led by founder-president Bhagwan Madhe launched an aggressive protest against the severe water crisis and alleged corruption in the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme in Igatpuri and Trimbak talukas. Hundreds of women and protestors gathered at Igatpuri railway station, aiming to march towards Mantralaya to draw the state government's attention to the issue.
Despite several water supply projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission, many tribal hamlets (padas) continue to face acute water shortage. Women in these regions still walk long distances, balancing pots on their heads, just to fetch water. Protestors alleged that large-scale corruption in the implementation of water supply schemes has left many areas without drinking water.
As the protest gained momentum, officials from the water supply department, tehsildar office, police administration, and district collector’s office arrived to speak with the protestors. Following discussions with Bhagwan Madhe, it was decided to temporarily suspend the protest after the administration agreed to hold a joint meeting of all department heads on Monday at the Igatpuri Sub-Divisional Officer’s office.
Madhe issued a stern warning that if the meeting fails to bring satisfactory action, a fresh protest will be launched without prior notice. He also criticized political leaders contesting elections from Igatpuri and Trimbak, accusing them of boasting about development while ignoring the plight of tribal communities.
“Where are those leaders now? They talk about progress, but can’t see the pots on women’s heads,” Madhe said. He demanded a thorough investigation into ongoing and incomplete Jal Jeevan works across the district, inclusion of excluded tribal hamlets, blacklisting of negligent contractors, immediate start of water tankers in affected areas, and water supply from the Vaitarna dam to support the scheme.
The outcome of Monday's meeting will decide the next course of action.