A month after devastating floods hit Haryana, residents of Beed Ghaggar village in the state are still grappling with a severe shortage of drinking water. The village, located in the flood-affected region, has been struggling to access clean water as local sources remain contaminated or damaged.
Water Sources Contaminated
The floods, which occurred in early July, submerged several villages in the area, including Beed Ghaggar. The primary water sources, such as hand pumps and wells, were inundated with floodwater, leading to contamination. Despite efforts by local authorities to restore supply, many residents report that the water is still unfit for consumption.
According to villagers, the water from hand pumps has a muddy color and an unpleasant odor, raising fears of waterborne diseases. Several cases of diarrhea and stomach infections have been reported in the village, particularly among children and the elderly.
Relief Efforts Underway
The district administration has deployed tankers to supply drinking water to the village, but residents claim the supply is irregular and insufficient. A villager, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, 'We receive water only once a day, and that too not enough for all families. We have to stand in long queues to collect it.'
Local authorities have assured that they are working to repair the damaged water infrastructure. A senior official from the Public Health Engineering Department said, 'We are aware of the situation and have initiated repairs. The hand pumps are being cleaned and disinfected. We expect normalcy to return within a week.'
Residents Demand Action
Frustrated with the slow pace of relief, residents have staged protests demanding immediate action. They have urged the government to provide alternative arrangements, such as bottled water, until the local sources are restored.
Meanwhile, health camps have been set up in the village to provide free check-ups and distribute medicines. The camps are focusing on preventing waterborne diseases and treating those already affected.
The situation in Beed Ghaggar highlights the challenges faced by rural communities in the aftermath of natural disasters. As climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events, experts emphasize the need for robust disaster management and resilient water infrastructure.
