MP News: Groundwater Crisis Worsens Across Ratlam District

Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh): Excessive water extraction has pushed Ratlam district into a serious groundwater crisis, triggering growing drinking water shortages. Authorities have classified several blocks, including Jaora, Piploda, Ratlam and Alot, as over-exploited, while Sailana falls under the semi-critical category.

Officials said groundwater levels range from 2.70 to 23.40 metres below ground level, with some borewells drilled up to 1,500 feet failing to yield water. Piploda tehsil has already started facing severe water scarcity with the onset of summer.

The district’s groundwater development stage has crossed 126 per cent, signalling alarming conditions. Authorities have initiated conservation measures such as constructing check dams and restricting new borewell drilling to curb further depletion.

Man gets 10-year jail in smuggling case

A Special NDPS Court in Alot sentenced Bhanwarsingh Damor (32) to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh in a poppy husk smuggling case. Special Judge Sandeep Kumar Soni delivered the judgment under Section 8/15(c) of the NDPS Act.

Police acted on a tip-off on October 25, 2024, and intercepted a white Indigo car near Munj on Barod Road. During the raid, they seized 51.480 kg of illegal poppy husk packed in three sacks. Two suspects fled, while police arrested Damor on the spot.

Police later arrested three other accused, but the court acquitted them due to lack of evidence. Additional Public Prosecutor Hemendra Kumar Goyal represented the prosecution.