Guwahati, the bustling gateway to Northeast India, is home to a growing urban population that depends on essential resources for sustenance. Among these, drinking water is one of the most vital yet increasingly scarce commodities. Despite its location along the mighty Brahmaputra River, the city faces chronic water supply issues that have left many residents grappling with uncertainty about their most basic need—access to clean drinking water.
ALSO READ: Opinion | The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 Analysis Of Violation O Muslim Religious Rights
Challenges in Access to Clean Water-
1. Dependence on Groundwater: A significant portion of Guwahati’s drinking water comes from groundwater sources, as the city’s piped water supply system remains underdeveloped. However, over extraction of groundwater has led to declining water tables, further compounded by contamination due to unplanned urbanisation. Many areas report high iron and arsenic levels in their water, making it unfit for consumption without treatment.
2. Inadequate Piped Water Supply: While the government has initiated piped water supply projects, these remain far from meeting the needs of Guwahati’s ever-growing population. Uneven distribution means that some localities, particularly in the core city areas, enjoy regular supply, while peripheral regions are left reliant on private water tankers or bore wells.
3. Contamination and Pollution: The Brahmaputra River, though vast, suffers from pollution due to untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and garbage disposal. The lack of a robust water treatment infrastructure exacerbates the problem, leaving the city vulnerable to waterborne diseases.
4. Population Pressure and Urbanisation: Rapid urbanisation and population growth have intensified the pressure on existing water resources. The rising number of high-rise apartments, commercial establishments, and industries adds to the demand, stretching the city’s water supply systems to their limits.
5. Seasonal Challenges: During the monsoon, waterlogging and flooding contaminate open wells and other groundwater sources, making them unsafe for consumption. Conversely, dry spells often lead to acute water shortages, forcing residents to pay exorbitant prices for tanker-supplied water.
Impact on Residents-
For many Guwahatians, access to safe drinking water is a daily struggle. In slum areas, families often have to queue for hours at community taps, while others spend significant portions of their income on water purification systems or bottled water. This inequality in access to clean water reflects the broader challenges of urban development in the city.
Initiatives and the Way Forward-
Over the years, various projects have been launched to address Guwahati’s water crisis. The Brahmaputra Jal Supply Project, aimed at providing piped water to 1.5 lakh households, is a step in the right direction, though its implementation has faced delays. Similarly, efforts to install water treatment plants and improve sewage systems are ongoing but require greater speed and efficiency.
To effectively address Guwahati’s drinking water problems, a multi-pronged approach is needed:
• Enhancing Infrastructure: Accelerate the completion of piped water supply projects and expand coverage to underserved areas.
• Water Conservation: Encourage rainwater harvesting and promote water-efficient practices among citizens.
• Pollution Control: Strengthen measures to prevent industrial and domestic waste from polluting water bodies.
• Public Awareness: Conduct campaigns to educate residents about the importance of water conservation and safe consumption practices.
Conclusion
The drinking water crisis in Guwahati is not merely a logistical challenge but a question of public health and equity. While government initiatives show promise, a concerted effort involving policymakers, civic bodies, and residents is essential to ensure a sustainable and equitable water supply system. For a city poised to become a major urban hub, solving its water woes will be a cornerstone of its progress.
(The author is a science journalist, sustainability advocate, former Director of Assam Seed & Organic Certification Agency, and Assam’s ex-Joint Director of Agriculture. All views and opinions expressed are their author’s own)