mid-day's front page report, 'Palghar tribals hit by acute food shortage,' on Thursday caught the attention of the government, with the Secretary, state Tribal Development Department, Vinita Vaid-Singhal taking cognisance of the issue. "We have taken note of the report. It is good that the issue has been raised. We are extremely sensitive to the needs of the tribals. Whatever corrective measures are required, we will take them," said Vaid-Singhal

But while the government has assured action regarding the food problem, it also needs to look at the other issues the tribals face. The interior hamlets of Palghar District record high rainfall during the monsoon, yet the tribal communities suffer due to acute shortage of water for drinking and cleaning purposes. mid-day witnessed many women, young girls balancing pots on their heads to fetch water from a well located miles from their villages.