Fund misutilisation causes water crisis, alleges HRA

Itanagar, June 15 (UNI) Expressing concern over the shortage of potable water all over the state despite huge Central funds during 2003-2006 for implementation of Arunachal rural water supply project (ARWSP) and Arunachal urban water supply project (UWSP) with state matching share, Human Rights of Arunachal (HRA) today alleged that misutilization of crores of fund resulted in the present dismal state of affairs.

While acute shortage of drinking water was a common phenomenon, the people had been fighting with many water-borne diseases on being forced to drink unhygienic water for their survival.

Obtaining documents on allocation of Central funds district-wise through RTI Act to support the allegation, HRA chairman Kipa Kaha claimed that many deaths related to water-borne diseases could have been prevented, had the public health engineering department utilized the funds properly.

Alleging nepotism and favouritism in awarding works under the schemes, the HRA appealed to all citizens of the state to unite and fight against corrupt practices.

However, the Rights body had appreciated the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu for his bold decision to root out corruption in PDS and decided to extend all possible support to the government in its resolve.

UNI