The Madhya Pradesh Government on Monday imposed Section 144 (unlawful assembly of five or more people at a place) in Betul in the wake of deteriorating law and order situation due to water crisis in the region.
Imposing the ban under the Code of Criminal Procedure, Betul's District Magistrate Gyaneshwar Patil told media persons that all construction work, whether Government or private, has been restricted in the town due to the imposition of the ban order in the region.
The Government's reasoning of imposing the section is that there are law and order problems borne out of a crisis over water shortage. Reportedly, Betul district of Madhya Pradesh has been facing severe water crisis this year.
An order was issued earlier to probe usage of water for personal and government related works.
Madhya Pradesh is facing a drought-like situation for the second consecutive year with water scarcity being reported in over 40 districts across the State.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier on May 10 chaired a high-level meeting with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on drought and water scarcity in the State.
The duo discussed strategies to increase awareness about water conservation and storage besides steps for tree plantation and protection in the catchment area of Narmada river. They also discussed strategies to increase awareness about water conservation and storage, and involving the youth organizations such as National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and Scouts and Guides, in these activities.
Enhancing steps for tree plantation and protection in the catchment area of Narmada were also discussed.