Uttar Pub Narakukhur Nagar faces severe water scarcity

Residents of Uttar Pub Narakukhur Nagar, a neighborhood in Guwahati, India, are struggling with severe water shortages. Despite being close to the city center and government offices, they have faced this issue for decades. The area's hilly terrain and poor infrastructure make it hard for them to access a reliable water supply. Many depend on rainwater harvesting and distant water taps for their needs. Collecting water from a nearby tap at dawn has become a daily routine for many locals. Summer months are especially tough, as groundwater levels drop and make access even harder. Some residents store rainwater in tanks, but it still isn’t enough. Parishid Chandra Sarkar, a long-time resident, expressed frustration, saying, "We have been suffering from this crisis for more than 30 years." Another neighbor, Uttam Baishya, added that some families have to buy water at high costs, placing a significant burden on them. Local councillor Babita Deka understands the challenges. She pointed out that the hilly landscape complicates efforts to provide water. While some bore wells have been installed, they often break down. She mentioned that only one bore well has been set up in three years, and funding is insufficient to address the problem properly. Students from local colleges also feel the effects. Arpan Kumar Borah said the existing bore wells and piping systems do not work well, leading many to rely on rainwater. Community efforts, such as crowdfunding for bore wells, exist, but most residents feel frustrated by the lack of long-term solutions. Despite these struggles, the community continues to hope for a solution, calling on authorities to pay attention to their urgent water needs.