Bhubaneswar, April 10 -- Khordha: Though shortage of drinking water is not a new phenomenon during summer, three panchayats in Tangi block of Khordha have turned into a grim face of crisis where the residents are forced to buy water to fulfill their daily water requirements.

Situated on Chilika coast, the residents of 30 villages of Balipatapur, Bhusandapur and Kantalbai panchayat are reportedly forced to purchase water from private entities for their daily needs. There are ponds, wells, and tubes wells in these villages, but they are of no use due to depletion of groundwater level and ingress of saline water, rued the residents.

According to sources, some individuals are selling water in plastic jars after transporting them in auto-ric...