New Delhi: A five-year-old girl died of thirst while her grandmother fell unconscious while they were walking through the deserts of Rajasthan. The incident happened in Jalore district of the state on Sunday afternoon.
Sukhi (60) and her granddaughter Manju (5) were travelling by foot to see a family member in Roda village, a police official said.
While on the way, they felt thirsty but could not find water around as the place was uninhabited, he said.
After walking for about 7 kilometres under the desert sun, the girl and her grandmother felt exhausted and could bear the ordeal as the temperature was also touching 40 degree, a portal reported.
The duo were spotted by some shepherds from atop a small hill, who informed the village sarpanch who in turn informed the police. The police rushed to the spot and after first aid, both were taken to the hospital where Manju was declared dead while Sukhi is undergoing treatment.
BJP questions Gehlot govt
The incident has prompted BJP to launch an offensive on the Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan.
“The government should explain as to how this shameful and heartrending incident happened. A 6-year-old girl passed away because she could not get water to drink,” said Gulab Chand Kataria, Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan assembly.
Rajyavardhan Rathore tweeted about gross inefficiency and incompetency of Gehlot government in using Central funds for ensuring ‘tap water connection to all houses’.
Rajasthan govt. was allocated ₹2,522 Cr to provide tap water connections in 2020-21.
Only ₹630 Cr was spent.
For 2021-22, ₹10,180.50 Cr (four times than the previous year) has been allocated. https://t.co/CBx2OZhgS5
— Col Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) June 8, 2021
He asked state govt to wake up from its slumber and act in earnest.
NCPCR notice to Rajasthan govt
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) chairman Mr Priyank has sent a notice to the Rajasthan government seeking an answer and response from them within 48 hours wanting to know the reason for the incident as this was the violation of Article 21 of the constitution which is that no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to the procedures established by the law.
