Villagers stage road blockade in Belonia over acute drinking water crisis

Amid a severe shortage of drinking water, residents of the Maicherra Binapani Club area under Purba Kalabaria Gram Panchayat in Belonia subdivision of South Tripura district took to the streets in protest on Friday.

Locals have been facing extreme hardship for over 10 days due to the lack of regular drinking water supply. According to allegations, water distribution from the treatment plant has been disrupted due to frequent power outages. As alternative authorities assure to supply drinking water through tankers, but, residents claimed that while water was initially supplied through vehicles for a few days, the service has now nearly come to a halt. This has led to a serious crisis in daily life, forcing people to travel long distances to collect drinking water—an ordeal particularly difficult for women, children, and the elderly. Frustration mounted as the issue remained unresolved for days.

In protest, locals blocked the Belonia–Santirbazar road, sitting with pitchers and buckets in hand. The blockade disrupted traffic for some time, causing congestion in the area. Protesters alleged that the Purba Kalabaria Gram Panchayat had failed to take any effective measures and that no representative had visited the area to assess the situation.

About 20 minutes into the blockade, Panchayat Pradhan Sahadeb Das arrived at the spot and held discussions with the agitating residents. He assured them that regular water supply through vehicles would be ensured until a permanent solution is implemented. Following this assurance, the protesters withdrew the blockade, restoring normalcy.

However, residents issued a clear warning that if timely and adequate drinking water is not provided, they will launch a larger movement in the coming days. They demanded not just temporary relief but a swift and permanent resolution to the crisis.

Additionally, locals called for the establishment of a separate water treatment plant in the area, claiming that the current supply system is ineffective, with water often failing to reach households through pipelines.

Speaking to the media, Panchayat Pradhan Sahadeb Das acknowledged the challenges, stating that the department is not providing adequate support. He noted that only two vehicles are currently deployed to supply water across the entire Panchayat area, which is insufficient. He emphasized the urgent need for more vehicles and a stronger alternative system until the treatment plant resumes normal operations.

All eyes are now on the concerned water department to see how promptly and effectively it addresses the crisis. Residents hope for immediate intervention to restore normalcy in their daily lives.