Road blockade in Hiracherra of Kailashahar demanding drinking water

Though water is often called the source of life, in Hiracherra area of Kailashahar of Unakoti district it has now become a threat to life itself. Residents have been facing an acute drinking water crisis for the past six months. With no solution forthcoming despite repeated complaints to the administration and concerned departments, angry locals on Monday took to the streets, blocking the road with pitchers and buckets in hand.

Residents of Hiracherra ADC Village under Gournagar Block have been deprived of drinking water continuously for the last six months. Severe water scarcity has particularly affected Wards No. 1, 3, 4, and 5. According to locals, all ponds and wells in the area have dried up, forcing them to consume dirty drain water, leading to the spread of various water-borne diseases.

Although a water pump exists in Ward No. 4, it has been defunct for the past six months. Despite repeated complaints to the local Village Committee and the Drinking Water and Sanitation (DWS) department, no action was taken.

Public anger intensified following an incident today when, even at 12 noon, the Hiracherra Village Committee (VC) office remained locked. Losing patience, residents blocked the road at two places using bamboo. Along with men, women also sat on the road with pitchers and buckets. Due to the blockade, several vehicles were stranded on both sides of the road.

Till the time of filing this report, no administrative official had reached the spot, triggering further resentment across Hiracherra. The residents have one clear demand: immediate alternative arrangements and restoration of regular drinking water supply.

Although the road blockade began at 2:00 pm, no official arrived at the site till 4:30 pm. Finally, around 5:00 pm, officials from the Kailashahar Drinking Water and Sanitation Department reached the spot. Protesters surrounded the officials and continued their demonstration. After nearly half an hour of discussion, the officials assured the residents that the defunct water pump would be repaired within the next three days and that the department would supply drinking water twice daily through water tankers. Following this assurance, the protesters withdrew the road blockade at around 5:30 pm.