By TC News Desk
Agartala, 16th September 2025: Amid government claims of “double engine” development and good governance, residents of Panchmanagar under Mailong ADC Village are grappling with a severe drinking water crisis. Despite promises under the “Nal Se Jal” scheme, locals allege that no effective measures have been implemented on the ground.
This afternoon, agitated villagers staged a road blockade near the Panchmanagar hospital on National Highway 208(A), demanding immediate relief. Women carrying empty pots and buckets joined the protest, bringing traffic to a standstill and leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. Commuters faced significant inconvenience as the demonstration continued for hours.
Villagers claim the crisis has persisted for over three months, with no response from the concerned department. Although two pump machines were installed a year ago, no operators have been appointed, resulting in a complete halt in daily water supply. Repeated written and verbal appeals to the authorities have gone unanswered, and officials have allegedly refused to arrange emergency water delivery by vehicle.
Security personnel, including police and TSR, were deployed at the protest site, but no senior officials had met the demonstrators at the time of reporting. Protesters warned that the blockade would continue until a high-ranking officer provides direct assurances.
“The true face of the double engine government is being exposed. They talk about ‘Nal Se Jal’, but all we have are dry pipes and empty promises. Every day is a struggle for a single glass of drinking water,” said one local resident.
