Kaptipada: Come summer, people living in Gajapathar village under Kaptipada block in Mayurbhanj district have to drink water from pits and streams. Water problem adds to their daily woes in the absence of a road.
The villagers lamented that they had apprised the administration of perennial water problem several times, but they were of little avail.
“We have a small pond and a tube well in the village, but they dry up in summer. We have dug out pits in farmlands and get water from there,” said Arjun Singh and Ghasiram Singh, villagers.
“By drinking muddy and contaminated water, people and children fall sick and some are affected by diseases, rued Ray Singh and Puja Singh.The villagers said the RWSS sends water through tankers on alternate days, but it is not sufficient to meet their demands.
Betra Singh, another villager, said that the state and Central governments have been bragging about development, but people have to drink water from pits even 72 years after Independence.
“Where life hinges on pit water, how can people believe there is development,” rued Turi Singh.
There is a stream 2km from the village. Villagers take their domestic animals there to quench thirst. But the animals run the risk of falling to death there.
“If the administration makes pits usable and safe, people can at least get potable water,” they said. “The administration and political leaders have paid little attention to the problem. They keep on assuring gullible people, but do nothing. Leaders come to the village only for contractual work and votes,” alleged MajhiHadam and Jay Murmu.
An engineer of the RWSS said that a tube well has been dug up and a proposal has been sent for another one. “As the place is hilly and craggy, getting water at shallow level is difficult. People are being provided water through tankers now,” he added.