Public drinking water taps installed across Ranchi have fallen into a severe state of neglect, with many located in unhygienic and filthy surroundings, sparking serious alarms over public health and safety in the city.
Filthy Conditions at Key Public Spots
Despite their critical role, these taps, which serve hundreds of residents including students, daily wage workers, and professionals, are often found encircled by garbage, stagnant water, and open drains. This environment makes them highly vulnerable to contamination. Local residents claim these essential facilities have not been cleaned or maintained for years, directly questioning the purity of the water they dispense.
A visit by journalists on Tuesday revealed the shocking state of taps in several high-footfall localities. At Kutchery Chowk, near the Ranchi Collectorate office, the taps were surrounded by dirt and filth. A similar scene was observed near the Morhabadi playground, a popular gathering spot for youth and sports enthusiasts.
"The pathetic condition of the taps at Kutchery Chowk is a matter of serious concern," said Jaypal Bhagat, a visitor to the Collectorate. He emphasized that this is a central hub for district administration where hundreds visit daily for official work, making the neglect even more glaring.
Daily Users Left with No Choice
The taps are a lifeline for many small business operators. Roadside eateries and tea stall owners regularly depend on them for cooking, washing utensils, and preparing beverages, having no affordable alternative.
"I use water from the public tap as it is near our stall. However, I have never seen anyone clean the water tank. Running a small shop, I cannot afford to purchase water for regular use," explained Savitri Kumari, a tea stall operator at Circular Road, highlighting the dire predicament of the city's urban poor.
Blame Game Over Maintenance Responsibility
When questioned about the alarming situation, authorities pointed fingers away from themselves. Ambuj Kumar Singh, City Manager of the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC), stated that the taps are installed by various private entities like NGOs and social organizations, and the RMC is not responsible for their upkeep. He clarified that these groups install the taps but fail to maintain them afterwards.
Adding another layer, many taps have been installed using funds from former and present MPs and MLAs. A senior district administration official, speaking anonymously, echoed that maintenance is the duty of the social organizations that installed the taps. While the district administration has denied responsibility, the common people on the streets continue to suffer the ill effects of this administrative limbo, consuming water from potentially contaminated sources daily.
