Facing the callous approach of the Peyjal Nigam, residents are facing shortage of potable water across the district.
Those residents who are living in the fringe areas are among the worst sufferers. However, department officials said that the laying of new potable water pipelines and repairing of the damaged potable water pipelines would be done on priority for ensuring the regular supply of potable water.
Ironically, the residents of the Himalayan region, which is the home of dozens of glaciers and through which major rivers flow, are dealing with acute shortage of potable water. Besides the shortage, an aspect of drinking water in the region is that it is hard and pure in the upper altitudes though its quality may be poor in the valleys.
Residents of several villages are facing an acute water shortage and those who are living in the fringe parts of the State are forced to traverse several kilometers to quench their thirst.
Shockingly, Peyjal Nigam has sought the proposals for laying the potable water pipelines in the capital city and the hilly areas of the State. The Pithuwala zone of the capital city is worst affected in terms of shortage of potable water; besides, supply of contaminated water has already increased residents woes several times.
The water shortage problem is so severe that neighbourhoods situated in the remote areas don't receive water at all. Villagers complained that many times they have brought this to the notice of the concerned officials, but the problem remains.
A total of 29 potable water pipelines are damaged in the urban areas of Garhwal division and Rs 1505.98 lakh is required for repairing the damaged potable water pipelines whereas 664 potable water pipelines area damaged across the Garhwal division and Rs 3663.6 lakh is required for carrying repairing work in the division. In Kumaon division, 11 urban potable water pipelines are damaged and Rs 70.85 lakh is sought for repairing the damaged potable water pipelines whereas 304 potable water pipelines are damaged in the rural areas and will cost Rs 893 lakh to the department for repairing the damaged potable water pipelines.
One of the department sources who wished anonymity told The Pioneer that the nodal agencies have been asked to complete all the pending projects in the given time frame. "Several potable water pipelines are reported be badly damaged in the recently experienced natural disaster," he said, adding that the department has made special plans to repair the damaged potable water pipelines at earliest. He assured that shortage of potable water would be overcome once all pending projects complete in the near future.