BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 6th November 2025: Residents of Machli Bazar in Longtharai Valley subdivision have raised serious allegations of corruption and negligence at a government-run water treatment plant, sparking widespread public outrage. The facility, established under the multi-crore Jal Jeevan Mission, is reportedly supplying untreated, iron-laced, and contaminated water to the community on a daily basis.
Locals claim the decades-old plant, built with public funds, has deteriorated into a pollution hub due to years of mismanagement. The water being distributed is said to emit a foul odor and appear visibly murky, raising concerns about its safety for consumption.
According to residents, the lime and chemicals used in the treatment process are of substandard quality, allegedly sourced by contractor Madhu Basak, also known as Manoj Kumar Basak. They allege that these materials are typically used in construction, not water purification, and have been supplied consistently over an extended period. “The water we drink every day smells bad and looks discolored. It doesn’t seem like any purification is happening,” said one resident. “If such poor-quality chemicals are used, it could severely impact public health.”
Villagers further allege that the concerned department has turned a blind eye to the contractor’s practices, failing to conduct any maintenance, inspection, or upgrades for years. While the water quality was reportedly acceptable in the initial phase, it has now become unfit for use.
Demanding immediate action, the villagers have urged authorities to conduct an on-site investigation and take strict measures against the contractor and responsible officials. They insist that accountability and transparency must be restored to ensure safe drinking water for the community.
