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Tribal Women's Grueling Water Fetching Wreaks Havoc on Health
2 Jun
Summary
- Women suffer chronic pelvic pain and uterine prolapse from carrying water.
- Daily water collection takes 3-4 hours, impacting reproductive health.
- Administration plans lift irrigation and water recharge projects.
Women in Maharashtra's tribal hamlets face severe health consequences from the daily, arduous task of collecting water. For generations, women and girls in villages across the Satpura ranges have spent hours each day descending hills to fetch water from distant sources, often returning with loads weighing up to 10 kg.
This physically demanding labor, starting from childhood, is linked to chronic pelvic pain, uterine prolapse, recurrent infections, and debilitating back pain. Many women experience these issues from a young age, with some suffering miscarriages or enduring painful conditions throughout their lives.
In response to this escalating public health crisis, the administration is planning significant interventions, including a major Narmada-based lift irrigation project. Groundwater mapping and spring rejuvenation initiatives are also underway to address the water scarcity and reduce the burden on women.
