GUWAHATI: Residents of Silpukhuri, Guwahati, have been struggling with severe water shortages since November, with the last supply from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) reported on December 30, 2024. The irregular water supply has left locals reliant on private suppliers, leading to skyrocketing prices and long queues for water.
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“We have been having water issues since November. The GMC water supply has become very irregular. The last time we got water from GMC was on December 30, 2024. We are continuously buying water every day. The price of water is also rising, and there is a very long queue to buy water. We ordered water yesterday, but we still haven’t received it as the supplier is overwhelmed with too many buyers now,” a Silpukhuri resident told GPlus.
The crisis stems from ageing water pipelines riddled with leakages, according to GMC officials. Speaking to GPlus, a GMC representative said, “The water pipelines are ancient, with leakages everywhere, especially in the main pipeline in that area, which has more than 100 connections. If we repair one spot, water spills from another. Additionally, ongoing construction work by the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Guwahati Jal Board (GJB) makes it riskier to undertake major repairs. As it will hinder the construction projects.”
The official added that GMC is phasing out its water supply responsibilities, handing them over to GJB. “A sum of around ₹6 crore has been given to GJB to replace existing GMC connections, with more funding to follow. However, at present, there is no immediate solution. GJB is prioritising that area, but delays have occurred due to the recent mishap,” the official explained.
While GJB’s pipeline network in Silpukhuri is reportedly ready, residents must register online and pay a minimal fee to access water once supply is initiated. Yet, the lack of a definitive timeline has left residents frustrated and disheartened.
“Water is a basic necessity, yet we are left to endure this ongoing torture without any immediate resolution. The authorities have completely failed us,” said another resident.
The delay in resolving Silpukhuri's water problems highlights lapses in planning and coordination between city departments, leaving residents questioning when they can expect relief from the misery.