Agartala, June 14 (TIWN): At a time when the state election machineries are gearing up for the three- tier Panchayat elections, villagers of Jolaibari and Baramura under Nalchar RD Block have threatened to boycott the battle of ballots if the administration fails to arrange drinking water supply immediately.

“We are suffering due to non availability of drinking water since there is no source of water even today. Villagers usually walk one kilometer to fetch water from nearby villager. If the Block administration fails to provide water facility at our doorstep, we will not join the elections”, said an elderly person of Baramura village.

The twin villages fall under Khedabari Gram Panchayat under Sonamura subdivision. “Right from BDO to Pradhan, all are assuring us to create water sources to mitigate the perennial problem but our voice still remains unheeded compelling us to take the extreme step”, said another villager on condition of anonymity.

He added, “If you reveal our name, then party leaders will try to put me in trouble. But it’s certain we will not join the election if drinking water facility is not extended to the villages”. On the other hand, the Block authority said, the water level is very deep in two villages. Normal rig is not capable to dig the ground water and big size rig machine is required for these villages. “Since there is shortage of big rig, we are helpless but trying our level best to create water resources at Jolaibari and Barmura”, said an official of Nalchar BDO office here today.

After the villager threat, the administration and the local Panchayat are on the run to do something to ensure villagers joining the Panchayat level election scheduled to be held next month.