MANDAI: Residents of Athuk Tuthang area under Mandai R.D. Block have been living through an acute drinking water shortage for nearly five months, with no arrangements made by the block administration, according to affected locals.
Villagers say they rely almost entirely on rainwater, which becomes unavailable during dry spells. With daily wages of around Rs 500, families reportedly spend Rs 250 buying five drums of water at Rs 50 each, leaving little for other household needs. Some residents said they have at times gone without food due to the financial strain.
Despite repeated appeals to local elected representatives, the water crisis has reportedly gone unresolved. Local MLA Swapna Debbarma and MDC Jiten Debbarma have been urged by residents to visit the area and arrange a permanent drinking water solution, with a formal demand also placed before the state government.
Speaking to the media, affected villagers detailed the hardships caused by the prolonged shortage, calling for urgent government intervention.