Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Mar 21: Villagers of Markanja village within Mulky town panchayat laid siege to the town panchayat office on Tuesday March 19, to vent their anger at the supply of contaminated water through taps. The villagers, who had brought samples of muddy and saline water from their taps in bottles, said they were facing a grave situation since the last several months, as their drinking water problem has not been redressed.

They said that they have been getting water mixed with red mud through their taps since some months, and that the complaints made to the town panchayat officials and members have fallen on deaf ears. They held up their water bottles, displaying muddy, saline water that had lot of sediment. Saying that they are totally dependent on these taps for their drinking water needs, the villagers warned of resorting to stronger means of protest if the problem is not addressed immediately.

Town panchayat president, Shashikant Shetty, explained that the town panchayat has been supplying water to Markanja village from a tube well dug for the purpose. “Because of pumping of water continuously, there is a possibility of salty water getting into the bore well. Because of reddish soil at the bottom, reddish water can also flow out of taps. We will make arrangements to clean up the tube  well, and make alternate arrangements by digging a well for drinking water purposes. We hope this will provide lasting relief to the residents of the village,” he added.

Based  on his assurance, the villagers retreated.