The Bombay High Court has urged the Maharashtra government to take urgent and proactive measures to address persistent issues surrounding unsafe drinking water and inadequate public health infrastructure in the Melghat tribal region. The court’s remarks came during a hearing on a batch of public interest litigations filed by activists Dr. Rajendra Burma and Bandu Sampatrao Sane, who highlighted chronic malnutrition, insufficient staffing, poor infrastructure, and a rising child mortality rate in the area.

The bench expressed deep concern over a recent water contamination incident that reportedly hospitalized 86 people and resulted in 13 deaths. Noting that fatalities caused by a lack of potable water were unacceptable, the court called on the state to ensure a safe drinking water supply without delay.

The court also drew attention to delays in government payments totaling ₹31 lakh to fuel suppliers servicing mobile health vans in the region. It warned that any disruption in diesel supply could render these essential health services inoperative. Furthermore, the bench urged the government to promptly review and act on a report prepared by former project officer Mitali Sethi, which addresses broader tribal development challenges. The court emphasized that such reports should inform policy decisions without undue delay.

Advocate Jugalkishore Gilda, representing one of the petitioners, raised concerns over the non-payment of electricity dues by the state, which had reportedly led to power outages affecting electric water pumps relied upon by tribal communities. The state informed the court that pending electricity bills had been cleared the previous week, securing the continuation of the power supply. The court stressed the importance of uninterrupted electricity access, particularly as the severe summer season worsens.

On employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Maharashtra government stated it provides more than 300 days of work annually at a daily wage of ₹312. While Central guidelines typically recommend suspending work during the monsoon season, the state clarified that it continues employment activities year-round in Melghat. Petitioners, however, questioned this practice in light of the official guidelines.

The state also submitted status reports on proposed district hospitals in Dharni, Chikhaldhara, and Churni, along with maternal and child health indicators for Melghat. Emphasizing the need for accountability, the court directed the designated nodal officer to be present and fully prepared for the next hearing scheduled on April 29.