Mr. Bruce K. Thangkhal (Joint Editor) and Mr. Johnson Pau Samte (Assistant Editor), conducted a field visit to Tuining village and its neighbouring villages in Churachandpur district, Manipur, to investigate the growing crisis of water scarcity affecting the local populace and agricultural activities.
1. A Drying Landscape
What the journalists witnessed was alarming. The once-dependable streams, ponds, and small lakes now show signs of depletion. The water is shallow, stagnant, and visibly polluted in places—no longer a secure source for either drinking or agriculture.
2. No Government Water Supply
A key concern expressed by villagers is the complete absence of government-provided drinking water. Most rural households have no piped water connection. Left on their own, the villagers rely on borewells or natural ponds that fluctuate with the seasons—offering little certainty.
No government officials have conducted any survey on water scarcity in these areas, despite the severity of the problem and the visible distress faced by the local population.
This raises serious questions: Why has the State government’s Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) failed to conduct proper planning, surveys, and execution of water supply schemes in these remote villages? Why has the PHED remained silent for so long, even as the crisis continues year after year? The silence and inaction of the concerned department only deepen the suffering of these neglected communities.
3. Impact on Agriculture
Photos taken during the visit show parched paddy fields, leftover stubble baking under the sun. These fields tell the story of a farming community struggling to cope:
- Irrigation has become nearly impossible.
- Crop cycles are disrupted, and yields have fallen.
- Farmers wait for the rains, not knowing if they will come in time.
4. Community Resilience Under Strain
Despite the hardships, the rural communities continue to manage water resources collectively, digging borewells or maintaining small ponds. But this resilience is not limitless. Without support, their self-sufficiency could collapse.
5. A Journalistic Witness
By documenting this issue on the ground, Mr. Bruce K. Thangkhal and Mr. Johnson Pau Samte gave voice to a struggle that often remains invisible. Their presence by the water’s edge wasn't just for observation—it was to bring visibility to rural suffering and spark awareness among those who can help.
6. A Call for Urgent Intervention
This crisis goes beyond inconvenience. Water is a fundamental right, and the lack of it is a violation of dignity and livelihood. The situation in Churachandpur district calls for:
- Immediate government intervention in water supply.
- Long-term solutions for irrigation and drinking water.
- Sustainable water management policies tailored for rural areas.
Conclusion
The report by Zogam Today’s journalists is a timely reminder that behind every dry riverbed lies a family waiting for water, a farmer hoping for rain, and a village holding on to hope. This is not just about water—it’s about survival.
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