Water crisis triggers protests across multiple wards:Residents accuse officials of tanker diversion, illegal connections and unequal supply

The water crisis in the city is worsening, with residents across several wards facing irregular and inadequate water supply. The situation has become so severe that even councillors are reportedly unable to arrange enough water tankers for affected localities. Residents in multiple areas have alleged that water tankers are being dispatched only on the recommendation of political office-bearers, particularly local party leaders. Councillors themselves have begun posting updates on social media, stating that overhead tanks could not be filled completely and that water distribution would remain affected. People have also accused authorities of diverting water tankers to other colonies and even selling water illegally. However, the municipal corporation has maintained that tanker-based water supply is being carried out regularly across all wards. Residents take to streets in protest On Tuesday, residents of Ward 45’s Vikas Nagar area staged a road blockade and protest over the ongoing water shortage in localities connected to the Triveni water tank. Residents gathered near the water tank in Vikas Nagar along with Councillor Sonila Mimrot. Carrying empty earthen pots, protesters sat on the road, smashed the pots, and raised slogans against Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav and the municipal corporation. Locals alleged that water is being diverted towards Nehru Nagar through an interconnection system, leading to low water pressure in several neighbourhoods. Complaints of contaminated water supply have also emerged from some areas. Allegations of illegal water connections Residents alleged that a new pipeline connection had been added near Kalka Mata Temple, close to Bairwa Dharamshala, to supply water to around 20 houses in Nehru Nagar. Similar allegations of illegal connections were raised in Rupesh Yadav Nagar near Vinod Flour Mill and in the Rustam Ka Bageecha area. According to residents, these unauthorized connections have significantly reduced water pressure in nearby homes. Anand farm and Sahakar Nagar also facing acute shortage Residents of Anand Farm and Sahakar Nagar in Ward 80 are also struggling with severe water scarcity. Locals said they are receiving water only on alternate days, and even then, in very limited quantity. When residents approached local councillor and MIC member Prashant Badwe regarding the issue, he reportedly expressed inability to improve the supply situation. Residents have also accused Water Department in-charge Bablu Sharma of avoiding their complaints. According to locals, two municipal tankers with a capacity of 25,000 litres each are being sent daily from the Anand Farm Gate Square water tank to other areas. The matter was reportedly raised before local MLA Madhu Verma, but residents alleged that no concrete assurance was given even in the legislator’s presence. People also accused authorities of discrimination, claiming that Rajendra Nagar receives daily water supply, while Anand Farm and Sahakar Nagar get water only on alternate days. Congress to hold protest on May 15 Amid the worsening water crisis, Congress workers have announced protests at zonal offices and the municipal corporation headquarters on May 15. Leader of Opposition Chintu Chouksey said party workers would stage simultaneous demonstrations at zonal offices from 9 am and later protest at the municipal headquarters against the Additional Commissioner at 11 am. He alleged that water tanks are not being filled properly and tankers are making only one or two trips a day. “There is no water even at the hydrants. From where will the tankers be filled?” he said.