An alarming water crisis has gripped Ledo Bazar Basti in Assam’s Tinsukia district, leaving residents without access to clean drinking water for several days. The crisis stems from the malfunctioning of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) water supply scheme under the Digboi sub-division.
Locals say that despite repeated complaints to the authorities, no immediate steps have been taken to restore water supply. With taps running dry and stored reserves nearly exhausted, the community is struggling to meet daily needs such as cooking, bathing, and sanitation.
The situation has raised serious health concerns, particularly among children and the elderly, as residents have begun depending on unsafe water sources nearby.
PHED Scheme Failure Sparks Anger
The PHED water supply system, which caters to hundreds of families in Ledo Bazar Basti, has been malfunctioning for over a week. Residents claim the problem began with a technical breakdown in the main pumping unit, followed by poor maintenance and slow response from the concerned department.
Local residents expressed frustration over the department’s negligence. They alleged that despite the issue being reported multiple times, PHED officials have neither inspected the site nor provided an alternative supply arrangement.
As the days pass, people are forced to fetch water from distant hand pumps and local streams, many of which are unfit for drinking.
Residents Voice Their Frustration
Several residents have voiced their anger over the authorities’ lack of urgency. They accuse the PHED of failing to provide basic civic amenities even after collecting regular service charges from the public.
Many households have resorted to storing rainwater or purchasing bottled water, adding financial strain on low-income families. Locals fear that prolonged deprivation of safe water could lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
“Our taps have been dry for nearly a week. The officials keep assuring us that repairs are underway, but nothing has changed,” said a resident from Ledo Bazar Basti. “We are tired of waiting and suffering.”
Daily Life Disrupted in Ledo
The ongoing water scarcity has severely disrupted normal life in Ledo. Small businesses, tea stalls, and eateries that depend on daily water usage have been forced to cut down operations. Schools in the area are also facing hygiene challenges, with students struggling due to lack of proper sanitation facilities.
Women and children are bearing the brunt of the crisis as they walk long distances to collect water from nearby villages. Many of them queue for hours to fill small containers, often under unsafe conditions.
Community leaders have warned that if the issue remains unresolved, they may stage a protest outside the PHED office in Digboi.
Officials Blamed for Negligence
Local leaders and social organizations have criticized the inefficiency of the PHED. They claim the department has been unresponsive to multiple grievances lodged by the residents. The malfunction, they allege, could have been fixed promptly if maintenance work had been done on time.
The crisis has sparked political debate in the Margherita constituency, with opposition leaders accusing the state government of ignoring the plight of rural communities. They have demanded a full inquiry into the department’s functioning and immediate action to restore the water supply system.
Environmental Concerns Surface
Experts warn that Ledo’s recurring water shortages may be a sign of deeper environmental issues in the region. Over-reliance on outdated supply systems, coupled with unplanned urbanization. Further, has put tremendous stress on groundwater sources.
Environmentalists suggest that a long-term solution should include upgrading water infrastructure, adopting rainwater harvesting systems, and maintaining check-dams to sustain local water levels. They also recommend strict monitoring of PHED operations to ensure timely maintenance.
Such sustainable water management initiatives are crucial to prevent similar crises from occurring in other parts of Tinsukia and Digboi.
Urgent Appeal for Government Intervention
Residents of Ledo Bazar Basti are now urging the Assam government and the district administration to intervene immediately. Also, they demand the repair of the damaged pipeline and restoration of regular water supply before the situation worsens.
Local NGOs have joined the appeal, stressing that access to safe drinking water is a fundamental right. They have called for an emergency supply arrangement, such as tanker distribution, until the PHED scheme is fully functional again.
Community elders have also urged the authorities to conduct regular maintenance drives to prevent future breakdowns.
Way Forward for Ledo’s Water Woes
The water crisis in Ledo highlights a recurring problem across many small towns in Assam—inefficient infrastructure and delayed response to public grievances. Without swift government action, such issues could escalate into larger health and sanitation emergencies.
As residents continue to struggle for a basic necessity, the crisis serves as a wake-up call for both the administration and policymakers. Ensuring reliable access to water is not just about infrastructure it’s about accountability and the right to live with dignity.