Severe Water Crisis Grips Odisha Villages After Telecom Company Damages Pipelines
Multiple villages in the Sukinda block of Jajpur district, Odisha, are grappling with an acute water shortage following significant damage to water pipelines caused by a private telecom company during underground cabling operations. The affected villages include Ragada, Chingudipal, Aradapal, Nator, and Rahangi, among others.
Villagers Forced to Rely on Contaminated Canal Water
For the past two months, approximately 2,500 residents have been compelled to depend on contaminated canal water due to the broken pipelines. Jemamani Munda (43), a resident of Ragada village, expressed grave concern, stating, "Due to the damage, the situation worsens daily and could become critical in the coming months."
The ordeal is particularly harsh for women, who bear the brunt of fetching water. Saraswati Banasingh (28) of Ragada described the hardship: "We walk 2 kilometers to collect canal water because the pipelines are broken. We have no choice but to drink it."
Health Risks and Medieval-Like Conditions
The crisis has led to a resurgence of waterborne diseases in the area. Anjali Dehuri, sarpanch of Chingudipal gram panchayat, highlighted the dire circumstances: "It feels like we are living in medieval times. Many villagers are suffering from illnesses. While some boil the water, most consume it directly without filtration."
The daily burden of carrying heavy pots of water exacerbates the physical strain on women, compounding the health risks associated with using unsafe water sources.
Official Response and Accountability
Kartik Chandra Das, assistant engineer of the rural water supply and sanitation department in Sukinda, acknowledged the issue. He confirmed, "A private telecom company damaged the pipelines during careless excavation work. We are working to repair all damaged pipelines swiftly to restore the water supply system."
Das assured that the department is prioritizing the resolution of the crisis and plans to take legal action against the responsible company to prevent future negligence.
The ongoing water crisis underscores the urgent need for infrastructure protection and accountability in rural development projects, as villagers continue to endure health hazards and daily hardships.
