Murshidabad villagers struggle for safe drinking water despite govt initiatives

By A Representative

A glaring issue of water scarcity has come to light in Katlamari II Gram Panchayat (GP) under Raninagar II Block in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. Despite government initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission and the "Har Ghar Nal Jal" scheme, over 27,000 residents of this area are still deprived of safe drinking water.

Residents of Haru Mondal Para, Mohanganj, Ramnagar Para, Nabir Para, Babu Para, Char Sarandajpur, Arolpara, Guripara, and neighboring villages claim they are being overlooked by the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department. Unlike nearby gram panchayats such as Rajapur GP and Malibari I GP, where water tanks and household tap connections have been installed, Katlamari II GP lacks even a single water tank or pipeline.

The problem is exacerbated by the region's arsenic-prone water sources, forcing villagers to rely on costly bottled water for survival. Despite repeated petitions to local authorities, including the Block Development Officer and the District Magistrate, no action has been taken to address the crisis.

The villagers submitted a mass petition in November 2024, urging immediate intervention. However, their pleas remain unanswered. This neglect has raised concerns about discriminatory practices by the PHE Department, as most residents belong to Scheduled Caste and OBC Muslim communities.

The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2023, aims to provide every rural household with tap water by 2030, targeting 100% permanent drinking water security at 70 liters per capita per day. The Supreme Court of India has also emphasized the state's responsibility to ensure access to clean drinking water as a fundamental right under Article 141 of the Constitution.

Kirity Roy, Secretary of Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), has highlighted the issue in a formal letter to the Chief Secretary of West Bengal. The letter underscores the urgency of the matter, urging the government to take swift action to ensure the provision of safe drinking water for the affected population.

The villagers' plight calls for immediate attention and a resolution to uphold the fundamental right to safe drinking water for all.

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