Drain Water Supplied to Drink in Silchar National Highway Road: Residents Suffering

Development in Silchar often comes at a cost. In the latest infrastructure project aiming to install direct-to-home gas pipelines, the essential water supply line to homes on National Highway Road, Ward Number 17, is being compromised. In India, the right to clean drinking water is a Fundamental Right protected by the Supreme Court, derived from the Right to Life guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution. However, for the past three months, residents of National Highway Road in Silchar have been deprived of this basic necessity. When questioned, the concerned department shifts responsibility, leaving locals in distress.

Since February, residents of National Highway Road, Ward Number 17, have been deprived of clean and safe drinking water. Instead, they receive murky, contaminated water resembling sewage, leading to waterborne diseases and health issues among the community.

The problem arose during the excavation for gas pipeline installation, which compromised the crucial water infrastructure. Local resident Deboshree Dutta Paul, in a plea to the Executive Engineer of Silchar Municipal Board, expressed frustration, stating, “We have been seeking help from various authorities without success. We are caught in a bureaucratic maze, with no resolution in sight.”

Another resident, preferring anonymity, revealed their struggle to address the issue with authorities, highlighting the negligence and lack of accountability. The water supply pipe was damaged during gas pipeline installation, allowing sewage to contaminate the water, affecting the entire ward for the past three months.

While officials remain elusive for comments, an engineer, speaking on condition of anonymity, attributed the issue to the AMRUT Project. Amidst the election season, elected representatives are notably absent in addressing the crisis, raising concerns about voter disillusionment.

As the polling date approaches, the water crisis in Silchar’s National Highway Road underscores the failure of ambitious government projects like the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ and ‘HAR GHAR JAL’. This neglect demands attention during the ongoing election season, as residents continue to struggle for access to clean water, a fundamental right.