FOUR WATER ATM MACHINES INSTALLED AT A COST OF LAKHS OF RUPEES FAIL TO GIVE EVEN FOUR DROPS OF WATER

21-JUNE-ENG 13

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------------With the onset of summer, the difficulties of passersby in Shahpur Nagar Panchayat area have increased. In the absence of drinking water arrangements at public places, thirsty people are forced to wander for water in the scorching sun. The Nagar Panchayat government has completed its quorum by placing 5-litre earthen pots at only five places. Raising questions on this, former Deputy Chairman Gupteshwar Sah said that is the objective of the Nagar Panchayat to ensure the actual availability of drinking water, or to get rid of its responsibilities by placing 5-5-litre earthen pots only for show?

Even after 18 years of the first election, the residents of Shahpur Nagar Panchayat have been cheated in the name of facilities. Citizens also do not hesitate to say that they are being cheated. All the four water ATMs installed at a cost of lakhs became useless after some time due to technical faults, and till date they have remained mere objects of display.

At least people could quench their thirst by inserting a one rupee coin in these water ATMs installed at public places. However, due to lack of maintenance, the machines are gathering dust on the roadside. One water ATM machine is lying unattended near Calcutta Furniture House, and the other near State Bank. The other two machines are placed in the Municipal Office premises. This situation clearly reflects the apathy of the Nagar Panchayat government and its lack of accountability towards the citizens.