Erratic Water Supply

The process of supplying water with four pumps from the Zoo Road Water Supply Scheme was introduced around 2000. However, with the increase in clientele and area of operation, services started deteriorating, both in quality and quantum of water. The rates were fixed arbitrarily very high. After vigorous protests and agitation, ultimately the rates were reduced. Meanwhile, two of the four pumps went out of order and services were continued with two pumps only. It was too much of pressure for the two pumps to cater to the need; as a result, the services started deteriorating, both in quality and quantity. About a year back one of the two pumps gave away, and the authorities, instead of procuring a new pump, started repairing the same. Henceforth, water supply was divided area-wise on alternate days. The consumers were compelled to go for water purchase from tankers, which is not only costly but of poor quality also. In November last, the damaged pump was repaired and daily supply of water was restored. This lasted for a month only. The consumers were back to square one. The system of alternate day of water supply revisited them. Meanwhile, the Jal Board took over the entire water supply responsibility in October last. Without assessing the water supply position, it arbitrarily enhanced the tariff by around 120 per cent with some other stiff conditions. It is a matter of surprise as to how the Jal Board could act so irresponsibly. In the above situation, the authorities concerned are requested to deal with the matter humanely by stopping the new tariff and also by installing new pumps so as to ensure sufficient water for the consumers.

PK Gupta,

Anandanagar, Guwahati-5