Water scarcity problem intensifies
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 16 2023:
Though some parts of the state experienced scanty rainfall on Wednesday after a long dry spell, the problem of water scarcity in the state particularly in Imphal areas aggravates.
With most of the government water supply schemes ceasing operation, majority of households in Imphal areas are relying on private water tankers for treated water at the cost of Rs 1,500 per 1,000 litres at some areas and that too after waiting for two/three days.
Though chief minister N Biren had inaugurated 45MLD capacity water treatment plant at Chingkhei Ching on February 19 and announced provision of water from the new plant to Imphal areas which used to get water from Singda plant earlier, the Chingkhei Ching water treatment plant is yet to supply water through the existing pipelines.
Recently, the government had declared that there is enough water at treatment plants for supply to people through water tankers though pipeline supply could not be made due to non-completion of pipeline laying works at some areas.
Amidst the deepening water scarcity problem in Imphal areas, some MLAs of Imphal areas are shouldering responsibility to supply water to people in their respective assembly constituencies.
Some MLAs even posted videos on social media showcasing activities they are taking up to ease water scarcity problems in their areas.
Nearly 200 water tankers procure water daily from PHED water supply scheme at Porompat and distribute water to people at some assembly segments in Imphal areas.
Spores of water tankers were seen lined up for their turn at the water supply scheme when inspected by The People's Chronicle on Thursday.
Driver of a water tanker told this daily that majority of water tankers at Porompat water supply scheme are at the behest of MLAs of Singjamei, Yaiskul and Khurai assembly constituencies for distribution to people of their constituencies.
The water supply scheme does not provide water to any other tanker except those assigned by the MLAs, the driver disclosed.
It has been almost two months that water treatment plants with Imphal and Iril rivers
as water source had stopped supplying water with majority of privately run Water treatment plants in Imphal areas also facing similar issues now.
Consequently, some private water tankers from Imphal are compelled to procure water even from Thoubal Khekman and sell them in Imphal.
Due to distance of the water source, price of water naturally has to be high and thus people are purchasing 2000 litres of water at the rate of Rs 2,300 from private water tankers out of necessity.
If there is no rain in the coming few days and water does not flow naturally in rivers, a severe water crisis is very much eminent.
In view of the likely adverse situation, govern ment must take the matter seriously and take necessary steps without any differentiation.
There is also possibility of mass movement if the government fails to solve water scarcity problem at the earliest.