Patna: A severe drinking water crisis has gripped Kankarbagh Housing Colony in Patna, with residents reporting that tap water in several blocks has become so contaminated that it causes itching on contact and cannot be used for bathing, washing clothes or drinking.
Across large parts of the colony, households say the water supply is foul-smelling, muddy and visibly polluted. Residents allege that ageing and burst pipelines, laid dangerously close to sewage lines, have allowed contaminated water to seep directly into domestic connections.
“This problem has existed for years, but the situation has now become unbearable,” said Akhilesh Kumar, a resident of Sector A-25. “The water smells terrible as soon as you touch it. We are forced to buy water from outside. It is not even suitable for washing clothes.”
Others echo similar concerns, warning that the prolonged exposure could lead to outbreaks of waterborne illnesses, particularly affecting elderly residents, women and children. Many families have been forced to spend extra money on bottled water or arrange clean water from distant areas to meet daily needs.
According to residents, repeated complaints to the municipal corporation have brought only temporary relief. In some stretches, officials have carried out short-term repairs, but the problem resurfaces due to the dilapidated condition of the pipelines.
“Even washing clothes leaves stains,” said Prabhat Kumar, a resident of the LIG flats. “It feels like sewage water is coming through the taps. Pipes are broken in many places. They need to be replaced completely, not patched up again and again.”
Locals say the crisis reflects years of poor maintenance and the absence of regular cleaning of water pipelines. They are demanding that the authorities immediately halt the supply of contaminated water, arrange alternative sources of safe drinking water, and replace damaged pipelines to ensure a permanent solution.
With summer months approaching and water demand set to rise, residents fear the health risks will escalate unless swift and decisive action is taken.
