Sakharam Bhagat and his three wives, (from left) Tuki, Sakhri and Bhaagi, eat lunch at their house. Polygamy is illegal and a crime in India, but Bhagat says he had no other option but to marry two more times in order to have more helping hands to get water.
Sakharam Bhagat and his three wives, (from left) Tuki, Sakhri and Bhaagi, eat lunch at their house. Polygamy is illegal and a crime in India, but Bhagat says he had no other option but to marry two more times in order to have more helping hands to get water.
Omar Khan/CNN
Tuki, the first wife, washes the utensils with rainwater. Tuki looks after the house while the other two wives are responsible for getting water.
Tuki, the first wife, washes the utensils with rainwater. Tuki looks after the house while the other two wives are responsible for getting water.
Omar Khan/CNN
The women have to walk long distances for water, traveling up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) a day. The terrain is uneven and marked with steep climbs. Women from the villages of Maharashtra spend hours each day getting water.
The women have to walk long distances for water, traveling up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) a day. The terrain is uneven and marked with steep climbs. Women from the villages of Maharashtra spend hours each day getting water.
Omar Khan/CNN
Sakhri, the second wife, pulls out a container filled with water from the well.
Sakhri, the second wife, pulls out a container filled with water from the well.
Omar Khan/CNN
Life is not easy, there is no running water and the electricity shortage is a big problem, Bhagat says, as he stands in his darkened house.
Life is not easy, there is no running water and the electricity shortage is a big problem, Bhagat says, as he stands in his darkened house.
Omar Khan/CNN
The women have to make at least three trips a day, starting at 5 a.m., then at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.. Each pot contains around 10-15 liters of water, forming an immense weight on the women's heads.
The women have to make at least three trips a day, starting at 5 a.m., then at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.. Each pot contains around 10-15 liters of water, forming an immense weight on the women's heads.
Omar Khan/CNN
Firewood is used for cooking food in very basic conditions.
Firewood is used for cooking food in very basic conditions.
Omar Khan/CNN