The drinking water supply scheme under the RWSS Division has remained a nonstarter in 80 out of 110 villages under Bijepur block in Baragarh district due to seer negligence of the concerned authorities, allege locals.
“While the scorching temperature has been very painful, unavailable of drinking water has added to our woes. Though we have approached the RWSS office time and again, the concerned Junior Engineer has turned deaf ears only,” said a resident of Bijepur town.
The RSSW has two sections here. While one section sets up tube wells and construct water supply infrastructure, another repairs tubewells and supply drinking water. Over 1 lakh people resided in 110 villagers under 24 gram panchayats under the block. Currently drinking water is being supplied to 30 villagers only, sources said.
According to information, more than 200 tube wells have been defunct in various villages under the block. “Had these tube wells been repaired, there would not have been drinking water scarcity,” said some locals.
Residents of Hatuapada, Madhyaparda, Chhipipada, Talipada and Kansaripada of Bijepur town have also been deprived of getting drinking water through Tankers.
Though approached numerous times, the block administration is yet to resolve the problem. The district Collector should intervene into the matter soon otherwise we will be forced to take to the street,” threatened locals.