Ashis Sinha n
Even as summer is yet to reach its peak, several water bodies have completely dried up across the Bokaro district, making the days miserable not only for the human beings but also for the animals. Water levels depleted in the Damodar River and Garga River, more than 3000 water bodies including wells have been dried up while few more are likely to dry up in coming weeks in the district, sources said.
Amidst water crisis blistering wind with cruel summer blazed thrown life out of gear, soaring mercury and over exploitation of ground water, water table in various parts of the districts has gone remarkably down. Many hand pumps are lying defunct including waterfalls, villagers residing in and around of the Jainamore, Jaridih, Bermo, Kargali, Paterwar and Gola are alleging that this year they are facing a huge water crisis.
The residents of township area of Bokaro Steel Plant are also facing a hard time in the absence of adequate water supply. “Amidst blistering wind, soaring temperature, scorching heat management has cut short the drinking water supply. We are getting one time (2 hours) water supply in 24 hours”, said Vinod, a resident of Sector 3 in Bokaro Steel City.
The officials said the decision of one-time water supply has been taken after huge depleting of water level in Tenughat Dam.
Water crisis puts life out of gear not only in the city but across the Coal and Steel belt, said Surender a resident of Balidih. “It not only causes discomfort to the residents but also leads to distress among the animals and birds residing in and around the twin districts”, he added. According to the reports, heatwave claimed the life of dozens of birds in the outskirts of the district.
Now, this summer many people found new trade of selling ‘water’, earning a good deal of money in Bokaro. As with the surge in Celsius water crisis hits the area which forced the residents to buy water at any cost to save their lives.
In this steel city, new hotcake is water; already begun to be sold at Rs 35-50 per gallon in several parts of the district. People are on this new trade, selling to the needy residents who have got no options but to buy water at any costs.
“Since morning, even when there is a long line of utensils and cans at the public water supply tap, we have to pay a premium for procuring water,” said Sanjay Pandey a resident of Chandankiyari and Binay Tiwary of Shiwandih.
“The population across the district is increasing each day and the administration should gear-up itself to cater to the rising demand”, said an official.
Meanwhile, the administration issued heat wave alerts for the residents. “People are advised not to venture out during the afternoon when the temperature is at peak. Avoid hot foods and heavy meals, Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in the body, Dressed the infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella, limit sun exposure during mid-day hours, Do not leave infants, children or pets in a parked car or vehicles”, said an official.