: On the hills of Jharkhand, water crisis renders life difficult in tribal villages #IndiaNEWS #Other News By Vaibhav VivekGonda (Jharkhand), July 28 (IANS/ 101Reporters) Mesa Paharin of Tokadia Tola

On the hills of Jharkhand, water crisis renders life difficult in tribal villages #IndiaNEWS #Other News
By Vaibhav VivekGonda (Jharkhand), July 28 (IANS/ 101Reporters) Mesa Paharin of Tokadia Tola in Sundarpahari, in Jharkhands Godda district, waits in a queue of women, a large plastic tub on her head filled to the brim with dirty utensils that need to be washed. The sole source of water for them is a small waterfall trickling down the mountains outside their village. About 30 women, who use this waterfall regularly, gather here since morning awaiting their turn for at least four hours every day.
After struggling with water crisis for years, we are now used to it, Mesa says, adding that the water tower that had been installed operated for only six months before the pump was stolen; its been lying defunct since.
Sundarpahari in Godda district is a small community development block about 16km from the district headquarters. There are some 277 villages in this picturesque land surrounded by mountains and forests. The mountains are home to several highland tribes, whereas the plains and forests are inhabited by Santhals and other tribes. The total population of the block is about 65,000, and life here is rendered extremely difficult for this populace due to severe water scarcity.
Acute water crisis in the hills
A visit to the hilly villages of Tilbhita, Telodhuni, Palamdumer, Belmako Bhuski, Goga, Gamharo, Pakeri and Gosmara reveals the extent of the water deficit in the region. Speaking to 101Reporters, local villagers say their biggest struggle is procuring water for their daily use.
District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Trusts have been developed across most mining districts in India over the past five years, since the amendment of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR) in 2015. These district-level bodies work in the interest of mining-affected people and areas, based on the fundamental idea that local communities have the right to benefit from natural resources extracted from their area.
According to a report published by the Centre for Science and Environment, Jharkhand has allotted the highest amount to drinking water supply projects (primarily piped water supply works), which account for nearly 77 per cent of the states total DMF allocation. However, in a report by the trust in Godda, which shows the expenditure on drinking water projects, only five villages of Boarijor block find mention, with Sundarpahari being left out.
Under the state governments scheme to develop primitive tribal groups (PTG), solar-powered water towers were set up in the hilly regions. However, most of these now lie inoperative, due to the solar panel-operated pumps being stolen or faulty boring works. These towers were installed in both Telodhuni and Palamdumer.

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