Section 144 of CrPC for peaceful water distribution in Latur, Maharashtra

PUNE: As the world celebrates ' World Water Day tomorrow (March 22), Latur in Maharashtra's drought-prone region of Marathwada has seen imposition of section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to ensure peaceful distribution of water to the city dwellers.

A city of five lakh population, Latur, like many other cities in Marathwada, has been facing sever drinking water crisis from last two years due to deficient summer monsoon rainfall. Manjra reservoir, the main water source of Lature, has dried up completely and the administration has turned to Dongargaon barrage and Lower Terna project for lifting water by tankers for Latur's drinking water purpose.

The water being carried by big tankers to the six water points on the city's outskirts, where it is filtered and filled up in smaller tankers to supply to the city. These water points became the battle ground, with alleged involvement of some political entities.

Pandurang Pole, the district magistrate of Latur said, "We have made section 144 applicable only within the confined premises of the six water points on the outskirts of the city as a preventive measure to ensure that water is used frugally and judiciously. It will be applicable between March 11 till April 1."

Though section 144 of CrPC gives wide powers to the district administration, including the police, in the current case, the administration's claim is that this section is routinely used like during examinations, elections etc. The local administration says that the section will be applicable only till the transition to using the alternative sources of water becomes smooth.