Acute water shortage hits 40 wards in Sasaram, forces many residents to relocate

Sasaram: Sasaram continues to face an acute drinking water crisis despite over Rs 150 crore being spent in recent years to ensure supply across its 40 wards. The scheme has failed to deliver, with residents—especially in the old city—still struggling to access potable water.

Several families in the old town have either shifted to rented accommodations in other localities or sold their ancestral properties due to the persistent shortage. Protests and demonstrations over the issue have become frequent.

Even 77 years after Independence, more than two dozen localities in the old city are yet to receive regular drinking water supply. Despite repeated claims by the administration about repairing hand pumps, most remain dry. The situation in the district’s hilly areas is more severe, with nearly 200 villages lacking proper water supply during the summer.

Nitu Singh, a homemaker from Kazipura, said she has witnessed the situation deteriorate over the past 25 years. During summers, her family spends sleepless nights arranging water from distant areas. She added that the crisis discourages relatives from visiting during vacations.

Suraj Soni, a goldsmith from Zani Bazar, said he was forced to shift to Civil Lines due to the shortage. He claimed that falling groundwater levels in the old localities have worsened the situation. Residents of Kadariganj and Quila Mohalla said many upper middle-class families now hire workers to fetch water.

Residents alleged that despite heavy spending on pipeline infrastructure over the past seven years, supply remains irregular and insufficient. Water tankers deployed by the Nagar Nigam have also failed to meet demand.

Some residents expressed disappointment with local political leadership. They said the election of MLA Saneh Lata Kushwaha in 2025 had raised hopes of improvement, but no significant steps have been taken so far.

Munni Devi (85) of Navratan Bazar said the crisis has persisted for decades, worsening sharply after 2005.

Municipal commissioner Vikas Kumar acknowledged the shortage in several old city localities but said efforts are ongoing to improve supply. “The Nagar Nigam has recently initiated a tender process for over 100 borewells, though the project may take two to three months—by which time the monsoon is expected,” he said.