SIRAHA: Around 150 families in Bharnaini Basti, Dhangadhimai Municipality-13, Siraha, have been facing a severe water crisis for a long time.
Despite the presence of all three levels of government, a long-term solution to the problem has yet to be found.
Residents, who have been caught in the web of election promises for years, are still forced to queue for hours just to fill a single jar of water. Although the municipality installed two large boreholes some time ago, the water level remains so low that the problem persists.
Locals struggle to fetch water from morning till evening. “We have to queue for hours under the sun, and after two to three hours, our turn finally comes. We must manage all our household chores—cooking, washing clothes, and feeding cattle—with just one jar of water. Some even return empty-handed,” said local resident Laxminiya Devi Ram.
Another local, Devaki Mochi, shared a similar experience: “Earlier, water used to come from this tank, but it’s been ten days since we last received any. The water flow has decreased, and we have to wait for hours just to collect a little.”
The complaints of Gahani Deviram and Radhiya Ram are even more intense. “We spend our days worrying about water. We have to stand in line for hours just to fill a bucket. Politicians promise water during elections, but once they win, they never return,” they said.
Suryaman Tamang, ward chairman of Dhangadhimai-13, stated that while a water tank has already been built, the pipeline expansion work is still pending. “Preparations are underway for a permanent solution. We will resolve the issue soon,” he said.
A few days ago, Federal Water Supply Minister Pradeep Kumar Yadav inaugurated the ‘Dabur Water Supply Scheme’ in this ward. Although the ceremony raised some hopes, residents say the taps remain dry.
Dhangadhimai Mayor Shiva Shankar Mahato acknowledged the severity of the problem. “We are fully aware of the crisis in the Bharnaini settlement. The municipality has already constructed a water tank and is now focused on expanding the pipeline and strengthening the water source,” he said.
“Access to water is a fundamental right of every citizen. We admit this is a long-standing issue, but the current management and implementation efforts will bring a permanent solution. We are also coordinating with the federal and provincial governments,” he added.
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