The drinking water situation in Kankarbagh Housing Colony, Patna, has deteriorated sharply, with residents complaining that the supplied water is unfit even for basic household use. Locals allege that foul-smelling, muddy, and contaminated water is flowing from taps in several parts of the colony, forcing families to depend on bottled water or alternative arrangements.
Residents say the quality of water is so poor that bathing causes skin irritation, while clothes cannot be washed due to stains and a strong stench. In many areas, people suspect that sewage is mixing with drinking water because of burst pipelines located close to sewer lines. According to locals, the problem has existed for a long time but has worsened in recent weeks.
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The crisis has hit elderly residents, women, and children the hardest. People fear that continued exposure to contaminated water could lead to the spread of water-borne diseases if immediate corrective steps are not taken.
Several residents stated that repeated complaints have been made to the Municipal Corporation and the water supply department, but no permanent solution has been provided so far. While temporary repairs were carried out at some locations, residents allege that the dilapidated condition of the pipelines has caused the problem to recur frequently.
Akhilesh Kumar, a resident of Kankarbagh Housing Colony, said the water emits a foul smell on contact and is not fit even for washing clothes. “We are being forced to buy drinking water from outside,” he said. Omprakash Pandey, a resident of Bikar Section 4/40, alleged that drain water is mixing with the supply due to unrepaired pipelines, rendering the water unusable. Manish Kumar from Bikar Section expressed concern for children, stating that even bathing with the supplied water causes itching. Similar concerns were echoed by Gagan Kumar and Prabhat Kumar, who alleged that pipelines have burst at several places and demanded immediate replacement of damaged pipes.
The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) said it remains fully vigilant in ensuring the supply of clean, safe, and standard-compliant drinking water to residents. The corporation stated that, on the instructions of the Municipal Commissioner, the water supply system is being regularly monitored across all zones.
According to PMC officials, Executive Engineers, Junior Engineers, and staff from the water supply branch are conducting inspections and collecting water samples from various wards for quality testing. The corporation claimed that test results show water quality in most areas meets prescribed standards.
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The civic body reiterated that public health is its top priority and urged residents to report any technical issues, complaints, or suspected contamination through the municipal helpline 155304, assuring prompt action. The PMC also said that surveys are conducted periodically to identify and renovate old or damaged pipelines, particularly those passing near drains, to prevent contamination. Officials added that feedback collected from residents during field visits has been largely positive.