People in Odisha recently witnessed incessant rain followed by floods in several parts of the state. But now, water crisis seems to be haunting people in some parts of the state.
A case in point is the acute shortage of drinking water in two villages of Phulbani. Surprisingly, it seems to be a case of administrative apathy leading to the situation.
Locals of Pisupadar and Jaragipada villages in Phulbani are reportedly dependent on a stream to quench their thirst as there is no other source of drinking water for them.
Though there is a well and also a tube well in their village, they are of no use. The tube well is reportedly lying defunct and even after repeated requests, the local administration is allegedly not paying heed to their woes.
"A water source from the Urpasuga mountain is our only source of drinking water. Even during rains, we had to use the contaminated water for drinking purpose. We have been facing a lot of problems," said Ashok Knhar, a resident of Pisupadar.
Narrating her ordeals, another resident of the village, Pranati Knhar, said, "There is a well and also a tube well in our village but they are not in use. We have to drink contaminated water from the stream."
The locals further claimed that the use of contaminated water is taking a toll on their health, especially children who are facing health issues like vomiting and diarrhoea.
"I can't explain the hardships we are facing. We have to boil the water before drinking. Still, many are developing health issues," said Premashila Bindhani.