Water Crisis in Ramanujganj Balrampur: Kanhar River Dries Up Early, Sparking Concern
Water Crisis in Ramanujganj Balrampur: Kanhar River Dries Up Early, Sparking Concern
In Balrampur district’s Ramanujganj area, a significant water source called the Kanhar River has dried up completely in April, raising concerns among the residents. This river, flowing along the Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand border, has been crucial for the people of Ramanujganj, providing water to a population of around 25,000.
The early summer drought has caused the river to run dry, creating a challenge for the town’s water supply. To address this issue, the local municipal authority is using heavy machinery to dig a large hole in the riverbed to access any remaining water. However, the drying up of the river this early in the season has sparked worries about how the town will manage the rising temperatures and maintain a consistent water supply in the coming months.
A dam (anicut) was constructed on the river by the Water Resources Department to ensure a steady water supply for Ramanujganj, but it seems that the dam has not been maintained properly, potentially due to corruption. This dam has not only failed to deliver water but has also become a hazard, with several accidents resulting in loss of life. This has fueled anger among the residents, who are calling for the construction of a new dam to solve the water shortage.
The lack of water in the river doesn’t just affect the townspeople; it also impacts the local wildlife that depends on the river for survival. The district administration and local municipal council are making efforts to provide enough water for the town, but it’s uncertain whether these measures will be enough to meet the community’s needs during the extreme summer heat.
People in Ramanujganj are hoping for a permanent solution to this water crisis, but they may face significant difficulties if the drought continues and no effective measures are taken. The key question now is whether the authorities can ensure an adequate water supply or if the residents will have to struggle with water shortages during this challenging time.
