Water shortage grips Bengal villages

Gopiballavpur (West Bengal), May 9(ANI): Acute water shortage has been causing problems to tribals in several villages of West Bengal, with many areas, like Gopiballavpur bearing the brunt for the past many years.

The villages of Suliapata, Purnapani, Kayasol, Mahulbani and Dhakundi that are occupied by about 300 tribal families also suffer from scarcity of water.

Speaking of the problems, Bablu Soren, a local villager, said most of the tubewells and wells are in a deplorable condition and the government has not paid any heed to their problems.

"Some 12 years ago, a tubewell was installed but we are still facing water crisis. The government had also dug a well but it is in a dilapidated state and has dried up. The people of the village go to the nearby river to fetch water for their survival," he said.

The old folk of the villages are in distress and fear that water shortage may lead to deterioration of their health.

"There is no water here, we are facing problems and so we are agitated. We are old and there is nobody to look after us, " said Sita Murmu, a local woman.

The two areas of Gopiballavpur and Jhargram are some of the most backward regions of West Bengal, which are mainly dominated by tribals who belong to the Santhal community. (ANI)