Visitors to Pranpur Block Headquarters in Katihar district are facing a severe drinking water crisis as two hand pumps and an RO (Reverse Osmosis) plant in the premises have been non-functional for an extended period. Local residents allege that despite lakhs of rupees being spent, the drinking water system has completely collapsed, and no concrete action has been taken by the responsible department.

According to Panchayat Committee member Ajmal, an RO plant, installed at a cost of approximately 3.5 lakh rupees to provide pure drinking water, has been out of order for several months. He stated that due to its closure, people are deprived of clean drinking water, and the plant has become merely a showpiece.

The condition of the two hand pumps in the complex is also dire. One hand pump is missing its handle and top cover, rendering it unusable. The other large pump near the toilet is reportedly dispensing iron-rich and foul-smelling water, deemed unfit for consumption. Locals fear that such water could lead to health issues.

Daily, a large number of people from various panchayats visit the Pranpur Block Headquarters for government work related to certificates, schemes, pensions, rations, housing, and other services. Many have to wait for hours. In such a situation, the lack of pure drinking water facilities is causing significant inconvenience, especially to the elderly, women, and villagers coming from remote areas.

Local residents have questioned the PHED department, noting that while crores are spent on drinking water projects in rural areas, the basic facility remains defunct at a crucial location like the block headquarters. They have demanded immediate repair of the faulty RO plant and hand pumps to restore the drinking water supply. Attempts to contact the Block Development Officer (BDO) for comment were unsuccessful.