The water crisis in Thanga AC
(Mainly Thanga part 1 and part 2)

Heisnam Devan Singh *

Landscape of Thanga - with the Loktak Lake in the background in February 2018 :: Pix - Lamdamba Oinam

Thanga part 1 and part 2 nestled around the serene shores of Loktak Lake, is facing an alarming and se-vere water crisis. For the residents of Thanga part 1 and part 2, the dream of having reliable tap water has become a distant reality despite being surrounded by water. The irony is stark in a region rich in water, human life is threatened not by the absence of water, but its contamination and inacces-sibility.

Once a community that thrived around one of In-dia's largest freshwater lakes, the degradation of Loktak Lake now translates into a daily struggle for clean, accessible water. With the pollution of Loktak Lake, predominantly caused by agricultural run-off, plastic waste and unchecked sewage dis-charges, the quality of water deteriorated significantly.

This has had dire implica-tions for local communities who depend heavily on the Lake for their daily water needs. While urban areas often take access to water for granted, many families in Thanga Constituency (part 1 and part 2) are lamenting the absence of clean tap water, forcing them to rely on contaminated sources. They face an uphill battle in their pursuit of clean drink-ing water, a fundamental right that is being denied to them.

Health Challenges Arising from Pollution

The implications of the water crisis extend far be-yond mere inconvenience; they are a pressing public health concern. As the inhabitants of Thanga part 1 and part 2 increasingly turn to alternative water sources, many are unknowingly exposing themselves to harmful pollutants and pathogens. A lack of proper filtration and sanitation measures means that everyday activities such as cooking, bathing and drinking often involve significant health risks.

Reports have surged con-cerning waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera and dysentery which are exacerbated by the con-sumption of polluted water. The elderly and children are particularly vulnerable, often falling ill and facing long-term health conse-quences.

This ongoing health crisis not only strains families physically but also impose emotional and financial burdens on them, as they cope with medical expenses and lost livelihoods due to illness. Moreover, the intersec-tion of water scarcity and health challenges under-scores the urgent need for intervention from Govt bod-ies and local authorities.

Sustainable solutions for water management should be prioritized including the establishment of water puri-fication systems and restoration of LOKTAK LAKE's ecology. Ensuring the residents have access to clean tap water is not merely a matter of conven-ience, it's a fundamental necessity that underpins the very essence of health and well-being in the community.

Lack of Tap Water Facilities

Compounding the issue is the lack of adequate tap water facilities in Thanga part 1 and part 2, despite natural sources in the vicin-ity, many households lack connections to a Clearwater supply systems, this deficiency can be traced back to various factors including ineffective governance, lack of political will and inad-equate investment in infrastructures.

For years, the community has voiced its concerns seeking help for basic ac-cess to clean water, but these pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Efforts to develop infrastructure for tap water supply are often stymied by bureaucratic red tape, mismanagement of resources, and in some cases, corruption.

When basic necessities such as potable water be-come a casualty of administrative failure, it raises serious question about the prioritization of public welfare in local governance.

A Call for Action

Addressing the water crisis in Thanga part 1 and part 2 requires innovative solutions and collective commitment to building and a better future. It is not just about providing access to clean water, it is about fostering an environment of trust and collaboration between the and its constituents.

Local authorities must prioritize clean water initiatives, ensure transparency and accountability in resource management, and embrace community involvement in the decision process. Investment in sustainable water infrastructure is critical.

This includes establishing reliable tap water systems, regular maintenance of existing facilities, and promoting community-led water management initiatives. Awareness campaigns can also play a crucial role in educating residents about the dangers of contaminated water and the importance of sanitation practices.

Moreover, partnership with non-Govt organisations, environment agencies, and educational institutions can provide vital resources and expertise to tackle polluted water sources. Together, stakeholders can implement water purification projects, enhance existing systems, and ensure that future generations of Thanga part 1 and part 2 residents have abundant ac-cess to clean water.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the wa-ter crisis faced by the people of Thanga, it be-comes evident that the situation lies and serves as a stark reminder of the vital link between water quality, lack of tap water facilities, public health and community well-being. It calls for immediate actions to ad-dress the debilitating consequences faced by its people.

In the fight for clean water, the residents of Thanga deserve support ini-tiatives and commitment to restoring their access to the life-sustaining resource they so desperately need. Their voices must be heard and their needs must be met for the future of Thanga is intertwined with the health of its water.

It is time to reclaim the right to water, transforming a paradox into a promise of prosperity and well-being for all the people of Thanga to enjoy the clean, safe water that they deserve — water that is, ironically, in abundance all around them.