Jaisalmer, May 23 -- A punishing heatwave continues to lock Northern, Central, and Western India in a suffocating grip, forcing regional administrations to enact emergency countermeasures. With temperatures consistently crossing the 42degC mark, the dual crisis of soaring mercury and depleting water resources has pushed both citizens and local authorities to the brink.

In the desert district of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, an acute water crisis has triggered widespread resentment among residents. Citizens in several colonies claim that the water supplied via municipal tankers arrives only once every 4 to 5 days, severely aggravating their plight in the blistering summer heat.

Speaking with ANI, a local complained that days have passed since th...