No water, scanty ration hit BSF jawans on border

JAISALMER: Even as the nation is rocked by the Lok Sabha campaigning, the netas, it seems are least bothered about the fact that the renewal of the diesel supply agreement between BSF and IOC which was to be inked in the first week of March got delayed.

With the old agreement coming to an end, the supplies at the BSF units here are drying up fast thus putting a brake on patrolling in the border areas and affecting the provision and water supplies too.

Whoever's fault it is, for over a month, small and big vehicles have stopped plying. Dozens of water tankers have also stopped providing drinking water to jawans leave alone water for bathing. In many border posts in desert areas, jawans have not taken bath for two to three days!

The fuel crunch has had an impact on routine visits too and officers have been told to travel by train while their vehicles are lying idle.

The scarcity of diesel has also affected the ration supply. They are now getting provision just once a week. The crisis is so severe that officers and jawans have been told to report at the headquarters only in emergency cases.

To beat the heat, the hard pressed jawans are using wet towels.

At many border posts, jawans are getting only drinking water. Sources said Gypsy and other vehicles used for patrolling too have been pulled back. This is affecting patrolling.

BSF headquarters has been informed and the jawans have been ensured of a solution soon. The shortage of water supply is also affecting stray cows. These cattle usually consume leftover water that accumulated at the base camps.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/No-water-scanty-ration-hit-BSF-jawans-on-border/articleshow/33196493.cms