In an irony of sorts, which typifies the reality in Nagaland, Kiphire, which means valley surrounded by water in Sangtam language, is facing acute water scarcity.
Despite crores of rupees being spent annually for various drinking water projects in various parts of Nagaland, the achievements are perhaps best known to the authorities concerned at the government level.
Kiphire town is surrounded by at least seven rivers and streams– Zingki, Thsingaki, Nguki, Thükhaki, Yongna Rokre, Shu-yongkhi, Mütreki- but due to lack of government-owned water facilities, most residents here are compelled to buy water from carriers to meet their daily needs. Kiphire town which has approximately around 1000 households depend heavily on private water pipeline that comes at a hefty fee of Rs.350 to Rs.400 per month.
With increase of urban population from villages, more people are buying water from private water carriers in town costing Rs.200 for 500 litres.
The demand for water has outstripped the ability of the local water business entrepreneurs to meet the demands.
As per the PHE department record, presently there is 40,000 litre water reservoir that supplies water to more than 400 consumers with a monthly fee of Rs.100.
The main source of the PHED water pipeline comes from Yongna Rokre river, which is about 16.5 km away from Kiphire town. The water source was constructed in the year 2002. The existing two and half inch diameter pipeline is insufficient to feed the whole town.
The department sources said the present water supply connectivity was also experiencing frequent damages caused by landslides and owing to age-old pipes.
According to department sources, a new proposal for water supply has been submitted to the government.
Some members of the public are beginning to consider probing how much funds have been allotted for the district during the past decades. The government needs to urgently intervene and address the issue before it faces the ire of public.
As per the data available on PHED website, the status of rural water supply in Kiphire district was 98 villages/habitations as on August 16, 2018.