Barmer/Jaisalmer/Jalore, May 17 -- Water scarcity continues to remain a reality in the scorching deserts of western Rajasthan, where temperatures routinely climb between 45degC and 50degC, as thousands of families are engaged in a daily struggle for drinking water. In many villages in Barmer district, children are seen carrying pots of water on their heads under the blazing sun, highlighting the widening gap between official assurances and the reality on the ground. Taps have run dry, overhead tanks remain empty, and households are forced to walk several kilometres just to secure enough water for drinking and cooking. The burden of the crisis falls disproportionately on women and children. Carrying heavy pots over long distances in extreme heat has become a daily ordeal, causing exhaustion, dehydration and other health problems. Women in affected villages say that even after hours of effort, they often fail to collect enough water to meet the needs of their families and livestock. Children, too, are being drawn into this struggle, sacrificing study time and recreation to help fetch water. Many children spend their mornings and evenings helping their mothers fetch water from distant sources. Kamla Devi, a resident of Siyani village in Barmer district, says the burden on women and children has become unbearable. "We leave home early in the morning with our children to fetch water. Sometimes we walk for hours, but still do not get enough water for the entire day. Our kids should be in school, not carrying pots on their heads." Class 7th student Puja Kumari said, "There is a water shortage at home, so I could not go to school today. I will go with my mother twice to fetch water. Even on days when I attend school, I have to go in the evening to collect water. We have no choice-someone has to bring water home." Bhanwar Ram, a farmer from Sheo area, says the shortage is affecting every aspect of rural life."There is not enough water for drinking, cooking or our livestock. We are spending money on tankers, but even that is becoming difficult. The government should understand how serious this situation is." Former Congress district president Fateh Khan shared photographs of children carrying water and described the situation as heartbreaking. "These smiling faces may appear cheerful, but the pots on their heads and their struggle in the scorching heat raise serious questions," he said, adding that "Where are the public representatives who promised to secure the future of these children?" He said the water crisis is not merely an infrastructure issue but humanitarian concern affecting health, education and future of rural communities. The shortage has triggered a surge in private tanker operations. In many villages, tanker operators are charging between Rs.1500-2000 per tanker, placing an additional financial burden on families already under stress. In nearby Jalore district, maintenance shutdowns in Narmada-based water projects have further disrupted supply, extending water intervals to five to seven days even in district headquarters. Ramja Khan, a local resident of Sheo block said. "When government supply fails, we have no option but to buy water tankers for rupees 1500 to 2000 each. For families with limited income, arranging this money every few days has become a huge financial burden but we are helpless."...