Shocking! Residents In Khordha Forced To Buy Drinking Water

Khordha: Though shortage of drinking water is not a new phenomenon during summer, three panchayats in Tangi block of Khordha have turned into a grim face of crisis where the residents are forced to buy water to fulfill their daily water requirements.

Situated on Chilika coast, the residents of 30 villages of Balipatapur, Bhusandapur and Kantalbai panchayat are reportedly forced to purchase water from private entities for their daily needs. There are ponds, wells, and tubes wells in these villages, but they are of no use due to depletion of groundwater level and ingress of saline water, rued the residents.

According to sources, some individuals are selling water in plastic jars after transporting them in auto-rickshaws. Ten litres of water is being sold for Rs 6. The rate is double if the distance of villages is more.

At present, the residents have to spend Rs 50 to 60 every week to get drinking water as per their requirements. They alleged that they have been living under the crisis for the last four years but shockingly are yet to get any government help.

“Earlier we used to manage with the saline water, but now we are purchasing drinking water. During elections, local candidates come and seek votes assuring us to address our drinking water issue. However, they forget their promises as soon as the elections are over,” alleged a local.

The construction of a drinking water project was started at Balipatapur in 2017 to address the water crisis of the residents. However, it has not been completed even after four years.

Khordha Collector Sanat Kumar Mohanty spoke on the situation saying, “The construction works of the drinking water project is underway. It will take some more time for completion. However, we will supply drinking water to the residents through tankers.”