Mubasir Raji
\nImphal, Aug 4 :
\nThe persistent potable water problem in the rural areas of Imphal East district within the radius of four kilometres of Imphal city is a disturbing phenomenon. There is no adequate water supply system in place, to cater to the need of the residents.
\nImphal east is one of the most densely populated districts of Manipur, after Irnphal west district.
\nThe water supply pipelines are not working properly. No wonder at some places the tubes used for carrying water has already been taken out and sold away to junk dealers. Residents of Khetrigao said, \u201cwater never comes through those pipes\u201d.
\nImphal east is abounding with rivers but most of these rivers are polluted by human refuses. The dumping of plastic waste is a major source of water pollution problem. Also during the rainy seasons, river water cannot be used.
\nThese rivers are a great source of water. The water from rivers can be tapped for onward supply to the rural people. 27 years old Loken from Thambalkhong suggested \u201c water from iril and kongba river cab be drawn up by pumps and after treatment it can be supplied to the people\u201d.
\nThe iril river water is clean and its water mass is also larger than the other rivers running in the district.
\nIf there is an arrangement for storing the river water, water can easily be supplied to the people throughout the year.
\nIbohal suggests that privatisation of water supply will solve problem of drinking water scarcity.
\nSohail Khan an automobile engineer from Keikhu Awang Leikai said, \u2018it is a matter of shame that Kshetrigao which is as only three kilometres away from imphal city is not getting adequate drinking water. Manipur has gained backward status as attention is not paid in improving rural drinking water supply scheme\u2019.
\nEnaoton a thirty-two from Kongba Khunou said, \u2018In Manipur, failure is habit, and malfunction and corruption are natural\u2019. People lost faith in the establishment is not that much great.
\n\u2018Government has to show some bold action oriented plans, to regain the trust of the people. People are fed up of mere lip-service, which never get converted into action.\u2019 Imocouba of Naharup awang Leikai said.
\nWater storage arrangement cum water supply centre should be constructed. Rain and river water can be stored for further use.
\nAt present water supply facilities through pipelines by government of Manipur undertaking, leaves to be desired, according to the residents the rural areas of Imphal east district.
\nPeople manage to get their water from mobile water tanks but it is costly and cannot be afforded by poor people. Water from such sources cost in normal time as much as Rs. 500 per thousand litre tanks.
\nThe number of public and private ponds is also decreasing because of encroachmentby local people .
\nAs the population increases, the residential places are becoming overcrowded and every \u2018individual household can\u2019t afford to have private ponds and wells. It is high time that the situation is monitored in a systematic way, the public themselves and the government establishment should try to understand the situation properly.<\/p>\n\n