Guwahati: Residents across 28 areas in Guwahati, including major localities, are experiencing acute water shortage since Nov 15 due to disrupted supply from three reservoirs of the JICA-assisted South Central Guwahati Water Project, the city's largest water initiative.
The supply interruption has severely affected residents in the project's coverage areas. People are forced to rely on private water suppliers, paying premium rates for drinking and household needs. Many residents report difficulties in reaching Jal Board officials for updates on the situation.
"Interruption in that too has crippled our daily lives. We are left with no other option but to purchase water from the private suppliers at very high prices. After commissioning of the Jal Board's supply facility, the private suppliers also have started charging exorbitantly. For every 700 litres of water, we are made to pay Rs 800 to the suppliers, which put a huge burden on our budget," said Dibakar Goswami, a Zoo Road resident affected by the disruption since Friday, noting the city's depleted groundwater levels.
Swarnalata Saikia Kalita from the Japorigog area said they've been relying on stored water for five days. "With the reserved water, somehow we have managed to fulfil the drinking purpose, washing clothes have been a distant dreams for us. That surely has compromised our hygiene," she said.
The Guwahati Jal Board suspended water supply for pipeline maintenance and expansion to new areas, initially planning work from Nov 15 to Nov 17. However, as of Nov 19, consumers near Amiya Nagar, Leechubagan, and Ramsa Hill reservoirs remained without water.
"About 25,000 households under the three reservoirs were affected by the disruption from Nov 15-17. Initially, the disruption was scheduled for three days, but due to some technical issues it got extended. However, almost 80% of them under the Ramsa Hill and Amiya Nagar reservoirs have started getting water from Tuesday evening. Due to some technical issues, consumers under the Leechubagan reservoir are yet to get water. This will be resolved soon," a senior Jal Board official said.