Even as temperatures keep soaring in the early part of summer, people in many forested villages under Binka block of Subarnapur district are facing severe shortage of drinking water.
The ground water table has plummeted sharply in some areas while water bodies have gone dry in other parts, leaving the people in a spot. At some places, the people have no choice but to collect water from pits and streams, endangering their health while the administration has been accused of sitting pretty.
Social activists have expressed concern over the deepening water crisis in Phulmuthi area of Binka block. Rajesh Meher, a conscious citizen said forests are fast disappearing in the area, leaving its impact on the water table which has gone down. Given the present situation of water shortage, it will be a hard time for the people in the coming days, he said.
Social activist Durjodhan Kumbhar voiced his concern over the prevailing water crisis. He said with temperatures soaring at the start of summer, wells, ponds and other water bodies have gone dry. After a few days, people will be scurrying for water and the situation will become grim.
Some locals of lachhipur gram panchayat in Sadar Sonepur block said about 10 years ago, ground water was available within 30 feet depth, but at some places it is not available even after digging 200 feet.
There is a need for massive plantation in the areas where ground water is plummeting, he added.