Editor,
I am writing to express my deep concern through your esteemed paper regarding the escalating water crisis that is affecting the Lower Jail Road area as well as other parts of Jail Road of Shillong. Water is our basic necessity and it is very essential for life. Shortage of water has negatively impacted our daily household activities and every alternate day, water has to be purchased from the water tanker which has caused financial burdens to most of the households. The water crisis has also led to a range of severe sufferings, impacting each and every individuals, communities, and entire Lower Jail Road area.
The timing for water supply is also not regular compared to earlier timing, as sometimes water supply comes in times when all households’ members are out for either official or personal commitments. Moreover, the force with which water comes through the pipes is also not strong enough in almost every household. The problem of water crisis has also become a cause of stress as our minds are always preoccupied with the thoughts of whether water supply will be available or not. Even if it comes also, whether the force will be strong enough or not is always haunting our minds. The constant struggle for access to water has led to anxiety, depression, and social unrest within affected households in addition to financial burden.
The individual and many residents approached the authority of Shillong Municipal Board as well as PHE, but the problem of water crisis is still continuing. Many households are now in a confused state of mind as to how to resolve this crisis which was not prevailing about six months back. The residents are also concerned that despite the efforts of the concerned department, the crisis still continues. The neighbouring localities like Lawmali, Wahingdoh, Forest Colony etc, are receiving regular and sufficient water supply, but Lower Jail Road and other parts of Jail Road are facing acute water crisis for the past five to six months. It is not clear as to whether there is any technical defect or diversion of water to other areas which has led to sufferings of the residents.
The department of public utility must be proactive to resolve the issue which is affecting day to day activities of the residents. Moreover, Shillong received a sufficient amount of rainfall this year and hence there should not be any water scarcity at the present situation. It is understood that time to time maintenance is undoubtedly required for which water supply has to be stopped for one or two days.
Hope through this letter this issue gets resolved and the authority concerned can understand the plight of the residents.
M Sarkar
Jail Road,
Shillong
