A village where no water means no wife

Jhala is a rich cotton farmer who is facing this unique crisis as his village reels under long periods of no water which has discouraged several neighbouring villagers from marrying their daughters to men in this waterless village.

"I can afford anything and have a tractor, good crops and all requirements. However, there is no water in my well or any of the taps and this has been the sole reason why several families have rejected my wedding proposal," said Kamajibhai.

This is not a problem faced only by Kamjibhai. Over 500 other eligible bachelors just wait and hope that the next day brings in water and thus makes way for a wife.

This has been a 15-year-old problem for this village and so far they have been surviving with the help of government-sent water tankers, one well for the entire village of 11,000, even though the village is just 130 km from Ahmedabad.

Bharatbhai Purana, a village elder, said pipelines were laid by the government years ago but that has not resulted in even a single drop of water ever coming out. "Me and most other villagers have paid for these water pipe connections years ago but we are yet to receive any water. Each year, the problem is the same and the solution is also the same"�either water tankers or long queue at the only well in village which still has water," said Purana.

Bhikhiben Rajput, who herself was wed to a rich farmer in this village 15 years ago said, "My parents were very hesitant to marry me off here as a house is useless if there is not water. However, I have managed to survive but would not want any woman to get married to anyone here till the water problems are sorted out".

Pareshhai Jhala ,38, another wealthy cotton farmer, is all set to pay a huge sum to marry a tribal girl and said, "I am getting a young bride for Rs 60,000. She will stand in the water queue daily till the government brings water in our pipes".

This is one reason why residents of this village and neighbouring villagers are keen for completion of the Narmada dam project as this will bring an end to their water and bride woes.

Congress MLA from Limdi constituency of the region Bhawan Bharwad admits that water shortage has been a problem for the region and this had an impact on the social structure of Siyani village.

"As an MLA, I am trying my best to bring water to the region. But the state government is run by BJP and they are slow in bringing water to all regions where congress has a hold," Bharwad said.

At least 61 villages in this region are short of good drinking water and whatever is available is also heavy in fluoride content.