Residents of Machhli Bazar area under Longtharai Valley subdivision have raised allegations of using substandard lime and chemicals in the drinking water treatment plant.

Widespread Irregularities Alleged at Drinking Water Treatment Plant in Longtharai Valley’s Machhli Bazar — Villagers Protest Against Corruption in ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ Project

The Machhli Bazar area under Longtharai Valley subdivision has erupted in anger over serious allegations of corruption and negligence at a government-run drinking water treatment plant. Locals claim that the multi-crore ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ project has turned into a hub of irregularities and contamination instead of ensuring clean drinking water.

According to residents, the decades-old water treatment plant, built with government funds, has now become a “pollution centre” — supplying iron-laden, untreated, and contaminated water daily. They allege that substandard lime and chemicals are being used in the purification process. The contractor allegedly supplies construction-grade materials, completely unsuitable for water treatment. As a result, dirty and toxic water is reaching households, leading to growing health issues like skin diseases, stomach infections, and even jaundice.

One angry villager said, “We are forced to drink this water every day, not knowing what poison we’re consuming.”

Residents have directly accused contractor Madhu Basak alias Manoj Kumar Basak of supplying low-quality materials while the concerned department remains silent. Locals further claim that no maintenance, inspection, or repair work has been done for years. Initially, the plant supplied fairly clean water, but now it’s completely unfit for consumption. Yet, this same contaminated water is being distributed to several nearby villages, including Machhli Bazar, 82 Mile, Dhumachhara, and Manu.

People allege that the “Jal Jeevan Mission” project, worth crores of rupees, has become a cruel joke, offering nothing but dirty water and empty promises.

Villagers have demanded an immediate on-site investigation and strict action against both the contractor and the responsible officials. “The government talks about development, but on the ground we only see corruption. This double standard can no longer be tolerated,” said another agitated local resident.

Despite the government’s tall claims of a “double-engine model of development,” Tripura’s rural population continues to struggle for safe drinking water. The public’s question now echoes loud and clear —👉 Is the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ saving lives, or slowly poisoning them?