Residents of Kharghuli, a locality in Guwahati, Assam, are reeling under impact of a devastating water pipeline burst that disrupted lives and sparked outrage among community. incident, which occurred on Thursday morning at Nepalichowk, has brought to light inefficiencies in crisis management and delayed responses from concerned authorities, including Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, whose absence during critical early hours drew sharp criticism.
Key Details of Incident
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | Kharghuli, Nepalichowk, Guwahati, Assam |
| Incident | Major water pipeline burst |
| Date | Thursday morning, January 2, 2025 |
| Affected Infrastructure | MLD Water Treatment Plant, managed by Guwahati Metropolitan Drinking Water and Sewerage Board |
| Minister Involved | Jayanta Mallabaruah |
Disruption and Resident Outrage
burst pipeline at Nepalichowk caused widespread water shortages and panic among residents. incident disrupted daily life, with many expressing concerns about their safety and state of public infrastructure.
A visibly distressed local shared their plight:
“I have been unable to trace my tenants after water pipeline burst in Kharghuli today. I’m unsure if they are alive or dead. Who will compensate if anything happens to them? ministers who come during election time seeking votes are nowhere to be seen when critical issues like pipeline bursts arise.”
Community’s Frustration Over Water Supply
Residents criticized government-provided water supply system, with several stating they preferred relying on well water rather than water supplied by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency).
One resident angrily noted:
“It’s better to consume water from our wells than rely on water supplied by JICA. We don’t want government help that can harm people. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma must intervene immediately.”
burst near MLD Water Treatment Plant raised questions about maintenance and safety measures, with locals claiming that office was vacant during incident except for a lone security guard.
Local Councilor Steps In
A local councilor, speaking to Pratidin Time, reassured public of his commitment to resolving issue:
“I am here to assist people, not to avoid situation. I will take up this matter with department to ensure such incidents do not happen again. This has been a recurring issue in Kharghuli, and I will push concerned authorities to act promptly.”
His remarks provided a glimmer of hope to residents but did little to quell immediate frustrations caused by disruption.
Minister’s Delayed Response
Amid growing chaos, Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah visited site later in day. However, his delayed appearance was met with criticism from residents who expected a quicker response from leadership.
delay has sparked debates over government’s crisis management protocols and accountability of public officials.
Recurring Issues in Kharghuli
Kharghuli locality has faced similar incidents in past, highlighting systemic failures in water infrastructure maintenance and emergency preparedness.
| Issue | Impact on Residents |
| Recurring pipeline bursts | Frequent water shortages, disruptions to daily life. |
| Lack of maintenance | Increased risks to infrastructure and public safety. |
| Delayed government response | Erosion of public trust and rising frustration among residents. |
Immediate Needs and Public Demands
residents of Kharghuli are demanding following actions:
- Immediate Repairs:
Prompt restoration of burst pipeline and regular maintenance checks to prevent future incidents. - Accountability:
Transparent investigations into cause of incident and holding responsible parties accountable. - Ministerial Oversight:
A direct intervention from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and consistent oversight by other relevant ministers. - Improved Crisis Management:
Establishing better communication channels and faster emergency response mechanisms to address crises effectively.
Role of Guwahati Metropolitan Drinking Water and Sewerage Board
MLD Water Treatment Plant and its overseeing body, Guwahati Metropolitan Drinking Water and Sewerage Board, have come under scrutiny for their handling of crisis. Residents claimed a lack of preparedness and personnel presence at plant during incident. This has raised questions about operational efficiency and safety protocols.
Impact on Community and Infrastructure
water pipeline burst has had a severe impact on Kharghuli locality:
| Category | Effect |
| Residents | Disruption to daily life, safety concerns, and loss of trust in governance. |
| Infrastructure | Damaged pipelines and interrupted water supply services. |
| Local Economy | Businesses reliant on water faced operational halts. |
Call for Chief Minister’s Intervention
Residents are urging Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to step in and ensure a swift resolution to crisis. They believe direct involvement from highest levels of government is necessary to restore normalcy and implement long-term solutions.
Future Preventive Measures
To prevent such incidents from recurring, several steps have been proposed:
- Upgraded Infrastructure:
Modernizing water supply system and ensuring its durability. - Routine Maintenance:
Regular inspections and maintenance of pipelines and treatment plants. - Crisis Management Protocols:
Establishing quick-response teams and communication strategies to handle emergencies. - Public Engagement:
Creating platforms for residents to report issues and provide feedback on government services.
Conclusion
Kharghuli’s Water Crisis: Minister’s Delayed Response Draws Anger has brought to light urgent need for improved infrastructure, accountability, and crisis management in region. While local authorities and officials have assured residents of their efforts, incident underscores systemic issues that must be addressed to regain public trust and ensure safety and well-being of community.
Disclaimer
This article is based on firsthand accounts, statements from public officials, and publicly available information. It aims to provide an accurate overview of incident and its aftermath. Readers are advised to consult official government updates for further details.
