The water crisis in Ranchi has deteriorated significantly, with 220 hand pumps, 5 high-yield deep tube wells (HYDTs), and 20 mini-HYDTs either running dry or becoming defunct. This has forced residents across multiple localities to rely on water tankers, stored water, and alternative sources for their daily needs.
Affected Areas and Groundwater Depletion
Data released by the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) on Saturday reveals that the affected units are spread across numerous wards, including parts of Lalpur, Kantatoli, Morabadi, Kanke, Kokar, and adjoining neighborhoods. The crisis follows weeks of intense heat and inadequate rainfall, leading to a sharp drop in groundwater levels.
RMC Response and Repair Efforts
RMC assistant municipal commissioner Suraj Prakash Singh stated that the civic body has formed dedicated teams to address complaints and restore water supply. “Ten teams have been deployed to monitor and repair HYDTs and mini-HYDTs, while 15 teams are working specifically on hand pumps. Complaints are attended to daily, and affected sites are inspected immediately,” he said.
Singh added that the problem extends beyond drying sources. “In several cases, motors have developed faults and require repair or replacement. Where tube wells have gone dry, we are supplying water through pipeline connections and conducting overnight operations to restore services as quickly as possible,” he explained.
Scope of the Crisis
Under RMC’s jurisdiction, there are 2,507 hand pumps, 181 HYDTs, and 1,611 mini-HYDTs. As per Saturday’s report, 220 hand pumps, 5 HYDTs, and 20 mini-HYDTs were listed as dry or defunct. This has prompted the civic body to intensify repair work and water supply measures in the affected areas.
Councillor of ward 11, Aliya Naz, expressed concern over groundwater depletion. “More than 10 mini-HYDTs have been repaired in my ward over the past month, but 4-5 HYDTs and mini-HYDTs are still defunct. Some of them have completely dried out,” she said.
Alternative Arrangements
RMC officials confirmed that tankers have been deployed in localities where hand pumps have failed. Efforts continue to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply during the peak summer season, with a focus on repairing and replacing defective equipment.
