Nagpur: Vidarbha is battling a heat wave with temperatures going past the 50 degree mark, and power cuts, water scarcity and fraying tempers add to the heat.
The result a potent mix - very visible in Nagpur, where the city police has had to begin guarding public water tanks to ensure the water available reaches all.
Water levels have run low in the Kanhaan river, which means supply has taken a hit.
"Every corporator wants his ward to get priority. Tankers are hijacked. Everyone wants his case to be on priority. This creates pressure on our officials," said Shashikant Hastak, executive engineer, water works, Nagpur.
And therefore the Nagpur police has stepped in to guard nine public water tanks against pilferage. Water scarcity has led to fights with several cases landing up in the city's police stations. Like that of corporator Kishore Gajbhiye, who tried to kidnap a government water tanker driver to provide water to his area.
"Till five days after that incident my area received water supply only to be discontinued afterwards. I have to take stern action or people would hold us representatives responsible," said Kishor Gajbhiye.
With the met department predicting a continued heat wave, and with the monsoon still miles away, residents of Nagpur will have to go a while before they breathe easy.