Agartala, September 16: Agitated villagers, led largely by tribal women carrying empty pitchers and buckets, blocked the 208 alternative national highway at Panchamanagar under Mailong ADC village in Kailashahar on Tuesday, demanding immediate resolution of a severe drinking water crisis persisting for the past three months.
The villagers alleged that despite repeatedly informing the authorities both verbally and in writing, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DWS) failed to take any effective steps. They further claimed that the department had not even arranged tanker supply, forcing residents to buy drinking water at high costs.
The protest caused a complete halt of vehicular movement near Panchamanagar Hospital, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded and commuters in distress. Police personnel from Kailashahar Police Station and TSR forces were deployed at the site to maintain order.
Abhishek Debroy, a state government official who rushed to the spot with security forces but failed to pacify the demonstrators, admitted that although two pump machines were installed in the area a year ago, operators were never appointed.
“Had the operators been recruited, villagers would have received daily drinking water on time. The matter is known to the department’s senior officials, the District Magistrate of Unakoti, and even the state minister. If necessary, I will personally operate the motor to provide relief,” Debroy stated.
However, the villagers rejected temporary measures and pressed for a permanent solution to the crisis.
