Wed Nov 20 08:19:57 UTC 2024: ## Guwahati Man Bathes in Drain Water to Protest Water Shortage
**GUWAHATI, INDIA (November 20, 2024)** – A Guwahati resident took drastic action to protest a prolonged water shortage affecting a large part of the city, bathing in drain water on the streets. The disruption, initially scheduled for three days (November 15-17) by the Guwahati Jal Board to facilitate pipeline upgrades, has continued for several days longer.
The water shortage, impacting areas supplied by the Amiya Nagar, Leechubagan, and Ramsahill reservoirs, prompted Pradeep Barman, a resident of Anil Nagar, to stage a dramatic protest on November 19th. Barman, frustrated by the lack of water for five consecutive days, used a bucket to collect drain water and poured it over himself while singing a parody song criticizing the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is assisting with the city’s water supply project.
“We have been forced to use drain water for our daily needs,” Barman stated, urging the Assam government to address the situation. His protest highlights the widespread frustration felt by residents, with some reporting having to purchase water for two months due to damage caused during road construction.
Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania attributed the prolonged crisis to essential pipeline upgrades being carried out by JICA. He stated that the work, aimed at addressing frequent pipe bursts and other issues, would continue for at least another two days. Despite the Mayor’s explanation, many areas remained without water as of November 20th, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the ongoing repairs and the city’s long-term water management strategy.
First Piper 