Tubewells are Defunct, They Depend on Nullah

BERHAMPUR: A nullah on the outskirts of Sirjhola under Gunupur block is the only source of water for 276 families of the village.

It joins with river Bansadhara, which flows 2 km away from the village. Although it dries up during summer, villagers dig up water pits on the river bed and collect water. Sirjhola has four tubewells but all of them are lying defunct.

Villagers not just use the nullah for collecting drinking water, but also bathe and clean their domestic animals in it.

Sarpanch Dara Singh said despite repeated appeals to the officials concerned, the defunct tubewells have not been repaired. BDO Asish Kumar Jena said the PHED and RWSS officials have been asked to look into the problem.