THIRST GOES UNQUENCHED

THIRST GOES UNQUENCHED

23-JUNE-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

SASARAM------------------------Amidst the scorching heat and blistering heatwaves, the negligence of the Dehri-Dalmianagar Municipal Council has come to light. The Aquaguard machines installed by the Council in every ward—intended to provide clean, cold drinking water to passersby and the general public—have effectively become mere showpieces.

Locals allege that as soon as the summer season began, the Municipal Council hurriedly installed these Aquaguard units across various locations in all wards. The claim was that no thirsty person would have to wander in search of water under the blazing sun. However, the reality is quite the opposite.

Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Ward No. 5, says, "When the Aquaguards were installed, we thought we would finally get some relief from the heat. But just 10–15 days later, the taps stopped dispensing water. Now, the machines are merely consuming electricity without providing a single drop of water."

The situation is similar across almost all wards of the city. In some places, water connections were never provided, while in others, the motors are out of order. Due to a lack of filtration and maintenance, these machines—installed at a cost of crores—are turning into scrap. People say that the Municipal Council "squandered money like water" to install Aquaguard units, yet the funds effectively went down the drain; the public received no benefit, and the government money was not put to proper use.

Amidst the scorching heat, with temperatures exceeding 44 degrees Celsius, laborers, rickshaw pullers, street vendors, and passersby are struggling to find water. They are forced to buy water bottles from shops for ₹20.

Attempts were made to contact Municipal Council officials regarding this matter, but no response was received. Meanwhile, ward councilors are also avoiding comment on the issue.

Local social activist Sunita Devi said, "This is a sheer waste of public funds. If there was no intention to handle maintenance or ensure a water supply, why were the machines installed in the first place?" "A high-level inquiry should be conducted to determine the cost incurred and how many machines are currently operational." The public has demanded that the district administration take cognizance of this matter and immediately make all the non-functional 'Aquaguard' units operational. Furthermore, action should be taken against the officials found responsible.