Water trains for troops’ border blues

Army engineers are digging for water at the nearest available source and military tankers routinely carry water to troops at their locations,’’ sources added.

The Army has also resorted to rationing of water. According to an internal arrangement within a battalion deployed near Barmer, each officer gets one bucket per day. ‘‘Jawans are not permitted to bathe every day but every two-three days. On the lines of a duty roster, a bath roster has been drawn out by the junior commissioned officers and concerned non-commissioned officers,’’ an official said.

The Army here says the exercise is part of military discipline. ‘‘There is water shortage even in New Delhi. What’s the big deal about the shortage in Barmer or Jaisalmer?’’ said a senior official at the Army headquarters.

‘‘We have enough water to drink. Our effort is to ensure soldiers do not fall sick due to water-borne diseases. Therefore, water is boiled before drinking and doctors carry out tests at the water source. Water trains are being requisitioned to ensure that the peak summer months pass through without any trouble,’’ he added.