By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The acute water scarcity that has hit Tura, West Garo Hills for the past two weeks has not only stirred anger among the residents of Tura but also the Sangma siblings who have asked the authorities concerned to take control of the matter and resolve the problem as soon as possible.
Union Minister of State for Rural Development Agatha K Sangma who is currently in Shillong has called upon Chief Secretary WMS Pariat to take serious note of the problem and resolve it at the earliest.
Meanwhile, breaking all protocols, Leader of Opposition Conrad K Sangma went to the extent of seeking an appointment with Chief Engineer of Public health engineering (PHE), SK Sunn here on Wednesday demanding explanation for the delay in restoring water supply at Tura.
“The problem faced by the people of Tura is very serious and I fear the matter might go out of hand. The government should act quickly before the matter gets worse”, Conrad said.
Conrad informed that the lethargic attitude of the department in responding to the crisis has forced people to the take to the streets.
On being asked the reasons leading to water crisis, Sunn informed that the main reason was the breakdown of two gravity water pumps that have lost their life span.
However, surprised over the lackadaisical attitude of the department to replace these water pumps even after their expiry dates, Leader of Opposition said “I am quite disappointed to know that even after the life span of the pumps were over they are still being used.’’
Meanwhile, Conrad has asked Sunn to visit the water scarcity areas himself in a day or two to witness the problems faced by the people and to ensure that water supply is restored immediately.Conrad has even asked Sunn to supply more water tankers from all available adjacent districts and seek the help of BSF to address the problems while apprising Sunn of the lack of maintenance of pipes and equipments. “The PHE should from time to time check the pipes and equipments and ensure that they are properly maintained,” Conrad directed Sunn. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills Pravin Bakshi said if the water problem is not solved in a day, he will requisite fire brigade water tanks to ferry water .