Raxaul faces acute water crisis amid falling groundwater levels

Amid soaring temperatures and an intense heatwave, a large section of the population in and around Raxaul town in Bihar’s East Champaran district is grappling with a severe water crisis, triggered by depleting groundwater levels and inadequate infrastructure.

- Sandeep Bhaskar

“Bathing and washing clothes are not allowed,” reads a notice by a house owner who has access to water through deep boring. Another private house displays a similar notice: “Water supply will be available from 7am to 9 am and 7pm to 9 pm.” These notices starkly highlight the growing divide between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ when it comes to water access in the town.