Water and Drainage Infrastructure Failures Take Center Stage in Adityapur Municipal Corporation Elections
As the Adityapur Municipal Corporation (AMC) prepares for elections across its 32 wards, two critical issues have emerged as the dominant concerns among voters: the unreliable supply of potable tap water and the severely deficient drainage system. These infrastructure shortcomings have plagued the region for years, directly impacting the daily lives of over 250,000 residents.
Chronic Water Shortages and Unfulfilled Promises
Many wards experience acute water shortages annually, particularly from March through July. Despite official claims, numerous households still lack functional tap water connections. Prem Kumar, a resident of ward number 28, highlighted this disparity, stating that the promised water infrastructure has failed to materialize in several areas.
The situation is exacerbated by the stalled progress of a Rs 395 crore drinking water project, which was sanctioned back in 2019. AMC Administrator Ravi Prakash has indicated that efforts are underway to provide water to households before the upcoming summer, though this assurance follows a pattern of missed deadlines over the past seven years.
Dangerous Drainage Conditions and Public Health Risks
Equally pressing is the incomplete sewage and drainage system, funded by a Rs 235 crore project sanctioned in 2018. Om Prakash Singh from ward number 19 reported that contractors left excavated streets, pits, and manholes uncovered, leading to frequent accidents. During the last monsoon season, the absence of proper drainage caused severe flooding, with drain water entering homes in multiple wards.
Prashant Mahato of ward 23 described how streets and houses near drains were inundated, creating unsanitary conditions and highlighting the public health risks associated with the inadequate infrastructure.
Political Responses and Electoral Promises
In response to these grievances, political candidates are framing the 2026 elections as a potential turning point for development in AMC. Bhuglu Soren, a JMM-supported candidate for the mayoral post, acknowledged the lack of amenities and pledged a new beginning if elected, contingent on the support of the state government.
The electorate, however, remains skeptical after years of unfulfilled promises. Residents are demanding concrete assurances and tangible progress on these vital projects, which are intrinsically linked to their well-being and quality of life.
The upcoming elections will serve as a referendum on the municipal corporation's ability to address these long-standing issues and deliver essential services to its constituents.
