An inordinate delay in implementation of the Keonjhar town water supply project has worsened the drinking water crisis in the town.
The project, which was first started in the 1970s, was designed to cater to a population of 25,000 only. But after the expansion of the town and rise in its population above one lakh, the old drinking water project is incapable to meet the present need of the urban area.
A new drinking water project under a Central Government-sponsored scheme with a project cost of `40 crore has been approved since four years, but little progress has been noticed yet. The implementing authorities remain confused over a dispute which has arisen regarding whether the water for the town would be drawn from river Kanjhari or Machkandana or Baitarani.
Farmers dependent on these rivers express their displeasure as they feel that drawing of drinking water for the town may affect their irrigation needs.
On the other hand, the drinking water crisis has become a perennial problem not limited to the summer alone. The Machhakandana reservoir, the source of the existing drinking water project, has already got silted and dries up in summer. There is insufficient water in the reservoir in other seasons too.
Dhurpada, Kasipur, Badadera, Mining Colony and many other areas of the Keonjhar Municipality are yet to get drinking water, making life difficult for their residents. Unlimited private installation of deep bore-wells, at least one for each house, and uncontrolled withdrawal of groundwater have not only dried the wells in the town but also pushed the water level lower and lower each year.
Many permanent residents are migrating out of the town due to the water crisis. Hence, quick and sincere action for drinking water supply needs to be taken before the peaceful town turns into a dead municipality, plead locals.