Residents of Shankargarh in Uttar Pradesh are facing an acute water shortage amid an intense heatwave
May 23, 2026: Residents of Shankargarh block in Uttar Pradesh are battling an acute water crisis as the ongoing heatwave pushes temperatures above 40°C across the region. Villagers in several areas are reportedly forced to walk nearly 10 kilometres daily just to fetch drinking water.
According to locals, the situation has persisted for years with no permanent solution. One resident told news agency ANI that the lack of water and electricity has made daily life extremely difficult, with around 150 people in the area dependent on distant water sources. The crisis has intensified as nearby Banda recorded some of the highest temperatures in the country during the heatwave.
Responding to the situation, Additional District Magistrate Vinita Singh said the administration has directed officials to review water arrangements and ensure immediate repairs. She added that tankers would be deployed wherever necessary to address shortages. Meanwhile, extreme temperatures in the region have further worsened living conditions, with Banda recently recording record highs above 48°C, making it one of the hottest locations in India this season.