Erratic Water Supply Sparks Public Outcry in Silchar

Silchar, July 9: Silchar residents are reeling under a worsening water crisis as erratic supply and low pressure have become the norm across multiple localities. Areas such as Ambicapatty, Tarapur, Sonai Road, and Itkhola have been reporting irregular water availability for over two weeks, forcing residents to rely on private water tankers and borewells.

Citizens complain that the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department has failed to maintain a consistent schedule, with water either arriving at odd hours or in negligible quantity. In some households, supply is limited to just 20–30 minutes per day, and in others, water hasn’t been available at all for several days.

“Water is a basic need. If this continues, it could lead to serious sanitation and health issues,” said Sangita Dey, a homemaker from Ambicapatty.

Residents have also highlighted the additional financial burden of purchasing water from private suppliers, who are reportedly charging exorbitant rates in the absence of regulation.

Student hostels, nursing homes, and small businesses have been particularly hit, struggling to meet hygiene and operational needs. The situation has prompted local youth organizations and resident welfare committees to consider staging a protest outside the PHE office.

When approached for comment, an official from the PHE department cited pipeline maintenance and technical faults for the disruption but failed to provide a clear timeline for restoration.

With no reliable alternative and the monsoon season making water transportation difficult, residents are urging the district administration to step in and ensure equitable and timely water supply. Public patience is wearing thin as basic utilities continue to falter in one of Barak Valley’s key urban centers.

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