BIRGUNJ: Residents of Birgunj Metropolitan City are calling for a sustainable solution to the city’s long-running drinking water crisis, expressing frustration with short-term measures like water distribution via tankers and fire engines.
While authorities have begun supplying water using tankers in urban areas and fire engines from Sakhuwa Prasauni Rural Municipality, locals argue that such temporary fixes are insufficient. They insist that long-term infrastructure is needed to address the chronic shortage.
Birgunj Mayor Rajeshman Singh had pledged to resolve the water crisis during the 2079 BS local elections, and Parsa MP and current Minister for Drinking Water Pradeep Yadav had made similar promises during his campaign. However, nearly three years later, residents say there has been little progress.
Kaiful Miya, a resident of Ward 13, Shreepur, voiced his disappointment, saying, “Not even a drop of water comes from the taps. If this continues, we’ll be in a serious crisis.”
Prabin Kumar Sah, head of the Nepal Drinking Water Corporation in Birgunj, stressed that piecemeal solutions like boring and tapping are not enough. He emphasized the need for comprehensive planning, including the construction of overhead tanks and the expansion of distribution pipelines.
“Water is being supplied in some areas through boring, even where existing water lines are in place. What’s needed is integrated and managed supply,” he said.
On Tuesday evening, Mayor Singh visited affected neighborhoods in Ward 11, including Bidyapati Nagar, Shreepur, and Ranighat, to oversee water distribution via tanker. “We are committed to ensuring water reaches our citizens,” he stated.
Despite such efforts, residents maintain that only a permanent and coordinated approach will end the city’s water woes.
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