Assam: Outcry for clean drinking water in Marangi

A CORRESPONDENT

NUMALIGARH: The Central Government’s slogan, ‘Har Ghar Nal, Har Ghar Jal’ (Tap Water for Every Home), which promises clean drinking water for every household by 2024, remains a distant dream for the residents of Gidibasti in Marangi, Golaghat district. Despite government assurances, locals continue to face severe difficulties in accessing clean drinking water. The Jal Jeevan Mission has been initiated, but years have passed without the completion of construction work.

Gidibasti, located near Purabangla in Marangi, has been struggling with a shortage of clean and safe drinking water for a long time. Residents, especially women, are forced to fetch water from the nearby Doigrung River, which is polluted and unsafe for consumption. With no other source available, they resort to boiling the river water in an attempt to make it somewhat safer for drinking.

Every day, women carry heavy pots on their heads and walk long distances to collect water from the river. This exhausting task has become a daily struggle, as there is no alternative source of clean drinking water. Even after boiling, the water remains unsafe, posing potential health risks due to contamination. The community has been voicing its concerns about this issue for years, but their pleas have largely gone unheard.

Despite the government’s ambitious promises of providing clean drinking water, places like Gidibasti remain dependent on polluted water sources. The local residents expressed their frustration and desperation, as they are left with no choice but to rely on unsafe water for their daily needs. Many fear the long-term health consequences of consuming contaminated water and urge the authorities to take immediate action to provide a sustainable clean water supply. The dire situation in Gidibasti highlights the persistent gaps in basic services such as access to clean water in rural areas. While government initiatives claim progress, the reality on the ground tells a different story for communities like Gidibasti. Given this scenario, it is crucial for local authorities and the central government to prioritize the supply of clean and sustainable water sources in rural regions to ensure that no one is deprived of safe drinking water.

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