KATHMANDU: Residents in the Chure region of Sarlahi continue to face severe drinking water shortages. Areas including Gharibathan, Parwanipur, Patharkot, Narayan Khola, and Dhungre Khola remain significantly affected by the lack of clean water. Local residents report that water sources dry up during the winter, while floods during the monsoon season frequently damage water intakes and pipelines.

Tilak Yonjan from Lalbandi Municipality-15 stated that after heavy rains, floodwaters often deposit sand into wells, forcing residents to consume contaminated water. He said, “The wells dry up in winter, and in the monsoon, the water becomes unfit for drinking due to flood debris.” Many in the region still rely on natural springs, wells, and streams. Even where water is distributed through pipes and taps, residents report that the water remains murky.

Prem Bahadur Bal of Ishworpur Municipality-12 noted that the lack of clean water has led to frequent waterborne infections among villagers. He said, “Because it is a remote area, there is no alternative to drinking water from streams and gullies. Villagers are frequently falling ill due to consuming contaminated water.” Due to the shortage, residents are forced to visit water sources at dawn, and disputes often arise at public taps where water supply is limited.

Locals have expressed frustration, alleging that many government-funded drinking water projects have been abandoned. However, Ward Chairman of Hariwan Municipality-1, Tam Bahadur Tamang, claimed that his ward has successfully addressed the issue. He said, “We have spent the largest portion of our budget on drinking water, so there is no problem here like in other parts of the Chure region.” Tamang added that with financial support from agencies including the UNDP, the ward has implemented lifting technology to ensure that all households will have access to water this year.