Duburi: Even as the government makes tall claims of providing basic amenities to the people, five tribal-dominated villages at the foothills of Jatadhari under Danagadi block in Jajpur district have been reeling under acute drinking water shortage this summer.
Left with no option, the tribals have to drink water from a hill stream named Hatiajhar while all water sources in the area have dried up.
“Tube-wells have become defunct, but the authorities concerned have not taken any step to repair them. As a result, we have to face a severe water crisis,” lamented the tribals.
At least 250 tribal families reside in Dhinkishalamuhan, Sahapur, Majhisahi, Pahadsahi and Ramthenga under Nadhibhanga and Shalijanga panchayats.
Two of the villages do not have tube-wells. Though there are seven tube-wells in Dhinkishalamuhan and Sahapur, none of them is in order.
Villagers said they had drawn the attention of the panchayat and block offices, but to no avail. “Under this situation, we have no other alternative than Hatiajhar stream for water,” they claimed.
The stream cascades down the hill and runs through plains, but its flow has been choked at places.
The government had made a plan to make use of the stream water for the villages in 2006. Work of a drinking water project was undertaken, but it hangs fire.
“Due to lack of will power of PRI members and block officials, the project has not been completed,” the villagers said, adding the government is supplying water to nearby tribal villages—Jhumpana and Bagharasahi.
“But our village has remained deprived of drinking water. In extreme heatwave conditions, the stream water saved our lives,” they said.
Budan Singh Jamuda, former block chairman, demanded immediate steps to supply safe drinking water to the tribal pockets or else the situation will assume alarming proportions in future. PNN
