Shimla, June 1
The residents of Kando village in Poanta subdivision, particularly in the Malgi area, have been grappling with severe drinking and irrigation water shortages. Their plight, exacerbated by the scorching summer heat, has finally spurred the Sirmour district authorities into action following threats of a polling boycott.
On June 1, a delegation of villagers met with Paonta SDM Gunjeet Cheema and representatives from the Irrigation and Public Health (IPH) department, demanding immediate and sustainable solutions to their water woes.
The urgency of their appeal, and the potential impact of a boycott, prompted swift assurances from the officials.
“The drinking water problem of Malgi village of Kando will be solved soon,” declared SDM Gunjeet Cheema, highlighting the administration’s commitment to addressing the villagers’ concerns. He instructed the IPH department to expedite the connection of the borewell to the old tank, ensuring a continuous water supply independent of electricity.
The core issue lies in the villagers’ dependence on agriculture for their livelihoods. Water scarcity directly threatens their ability to farm and sustain their families. Recognizing this, the IPH department, represented by XEn J.S. Thakur, assured the community of both immediate and long-term solutions.
“We will provide a direct connection to solar energy, ensuring that the villagers receive water without relying on an unstable electricity supply,” said Thakur.
To tackle the problem effectively, the IPH department has outlined a multi-faceted approach. Initially, a temporary connection from the borewell will be maintained. Simultaneously, the old tank will undergo repairs and filtration systems will be installed.
This initiative aims to ensure that the tank can supply clean water for both drinking and irrigation purposes, catering specifically to the needs of the scheduled caste residents who rely heavily on this resource.
The villagers have welcomed these assurances, albeit with cautious optimism. Their recent actions underscore a broader issue of neglect and slow administrative response that many rural communities face.
The promise of a solar-powered solution signifies a forward-thinking approach, aiming to mitigate future risks associated with power outages.
As the authorities begin the implementation process, the residents of Kando village hope this intervention marks a turning point, alleviating their water crisis and securing their agricultural livelihoods.
The swift response from the district authorities, triggered by the threat of electoral action, serves as a poignant reminder of the power of collective community advocacy in driving administrative change.
According to SDM villagers joined polling following action by the state authority.
