Water crisis in Padampur

Padampur (Orissa), May 2 (ANI): Padampur in Orissa is facing a severe water crisis as mercury soars over the Indian subcontinent.

The water supply to the town comes mostly from the Ong River. But following a dry spell, the river has dried up causing acute water shortage.

"There is a lot of problem because of the water shortage. The water tankers provided by the government departments have given us some relief or else there would be no water anywhere. People are quarrelling over water. Sometimes, we don't get water at all. There is a lot of trouble," said Parvati Gohil, a resident.

On normal days, the Padampur subdivision water requirement is 11 lakh litres and the supply is as per the demand. But due to the summer season, the demand has soared and the supply is not enough.

The ground water level has shrunk from 160 feet to 230 feet.

The administration is distributing water to the residents from the bore wells near the town.

"It has not rained since September 2008. The Ong River has dried completely. There are around three or four deep bore wells outside town. So, we lift water from there in tankers and supply it in the town," said Pravat Bhoi, Sub Collector, Padampur.

The government had a plan to meet water shortage, but it hasn't materialized so far. (ANI)