AGARTALA, July 24 (TIWN): Locals, mostly the women of Harijan Colony of Dhaleshwar, road number 3 on Friday blocked the road from morning 7 am to 10:30 am, protesting against supply of unclean water to the area. Water supply to Harijan Colony and some adjoining areas have been pathetic after the tank remained unclean for past 6 years.

Around 50 locals have staged the protest.

"Despite of several complaints and demands, the water supply tank has not been cleaned and streamline in the area," said an agitating man. We have even asked the cleaner to clean the tank for several times but in return the person used to suggest us to bring permission from the PWD or DWS first, added.

They said that despite many representations to the corporation officials, no action has been taken so far. Residents said that they are not in a position to purchase packaged drinking water at huge cost as it is not affordable for them.

"We demand permanent solution to the nagging problem," said the locals.

The situation has been continuing for many years but the department is continuously neglecting the issue of contaminated water supply, said a local.

On one hand where the state government has been taking initiatives to improve the health sector of the state by developing various PHCs and hospitals, on the other hand the consumption of contaminated water heading the life of locals toward illness.

The condition of the water is so pathetic that it cannot be consumed without proper filtering, complained a local. As the tank remained unclean for 6 years last, the water has turned yellowish, added.

Officer in-charge of east police station and engineers of DWS rushed to the spot and held talks with the protesters. They have assured that every after 15 days the take will be cleaned and if the process is not working as per order then they will take strict action against the concern individuals.

Later, the protest was withdrawn. Traffic which was disrupted for long time in the area restored normalcy.