Governments Changed, Leaders Changed… But Jharia’s Fate Remains the Same – Residents Still Struggle for Every Drop of Water

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Dhanbad (Jharkhand): India’s coal capital, Jharia, continues to battle a severe water crisis that has plagued its residents for decades. While food is easily available here, drinking water remains a luxury. People are still forced to fight for every drop — a harsh reminder that despite political promises and changing governments, Jharia’s thirst remains unquenched.

New MLAs, New MPs, New Governments – But No Change in Water Supply
Over the years, Jharia has witnessed many political changes — new MLAs, new MPs, new governments — yet its water supply system remains in shambles. From the days of the Jharia Mines Board to the Jharia Water Board, then to MADA and JHAMADA, the story has been the same: empty promises and dry taps.

Political heavyweights like late Surya Dev Singh served as MLA four times; his wife, son, and even his brother’s daughter-in-law have represented Jharia. The current MLA, Ragini Singh, also belongs to the same family. Despite repeated assurances by all, the water woes have never ended.

During the united Bihar days, Raju Yadav’s wife, Abo Devi, was MLA and even a minister, but Jharia’s situation did not improve. Later, Baccha Singh, who became Jharkhand’s first Urban Development Minister, also failed to resolve the issue. Every leader promised to solve the water problem, but it all turned out to be mere election talk.

Six Days Without Water – Residents in Distress
Currently, residents of Jharia have not received water for six consecutive days, leading to widespread distress. There is no clear information from the authorities or public representatives. On the sacred occasion of Chhath Puja, water supply was completely halted due to technical glitches in the power department.

Even when electricity returned after nine hours, water storage at the Jharia water tower could not resume due to further outages. Officials later claimed that water would be supplied on Friday, but that too didn’t happen. Saturday came and went, and now residents are told to wait till Monday.

Water Supply Only 10–12 Days a Month
Sources reveal that Jharia residents receive water only 10 to 12 days a month on average. The rest of the time, the supply remains disrupted — sometimes due to low water levels in the Damodar River, sometimes due to power cuts or burst pipelines.

It’s ironic that Jharia, which holds the nation’s wealth in the form of black gold (coal), cannot provide its people with clear drinking water. Pollution adds to their misery, while electricity interruptions cripple the already fragile water network.

The Big Question
Why can’t there be a reliable power supply and water system in a region that contributes so heavily to India’s economy? The Jamadoba water project caters not just to Jharia but to neighboring areas as well, leaving local residents struggling daily.

People here start their day not with breakfast or work — but with the hunt for water. Leaders have come and gone, governments have changed, but Jharia’s story remains painfully the same. The city that fuels the nation’s industries still gasps for water, drop by drop.

— Input: Local Correspondent, SD News Network