Authorities in Parbhani town in the parched Marathwada region of the state, which is experiencing an unprecedented water scarcity this summer, on Tuesday said they have imposed prohibitory orders near water supply spots in the town. "Orders under section 144 of CrPC have been imposed in the vicinity of water supply spots in Parbhani," Parbhani District Collector Rahul Mahiwal said.

The orders came into force from April 4 and will be on till May 3, the official said. The development comes a day after police in Latur town in Marathwada decided to deploy police at water supply spots in that town if the situation demands. "Latur municipal corporation has already deployed home guards at the water tanks. If needed, we will deploy police there to prevent law and order issues over water supply," Latur Superintendent of Police Dnyaneshwar Chavan had told PTI.

"There are six main water tanks in Latur. There is already a police chowki next to one of the tanks. We have increased patrolling in these areas," Chavan said. Amid an unprecedented scarcity of water, district collector. Pandurang Pol last month clamped section 144 of CrPC in drought-stricken Latur to bar assembly of more than five people around the wells and water filling points to prevent possible violence.