Hallomajra residents flout curfew for drinking water

CHANDIGARH: Even though curfew guidelines say people have to stay home no matter what, some people have to step out for drinking water. In ward number 23, Hallomajra, 200 persons are forced to step out to procure water as there's no water supply for the last 15 days. Repeated attempts to contact officials have been futile and all residents have to show for their efforts is a quick fix measure.
"Finally, an official sent a water tanker but it is not the ultimate solution. Officials need to pull up their socks," said Arvind, a resident of Hallomajra.
The necessity to fetch water may prove to be a weak link in the fight against covid-19 as social distancing norms are set aside by people whose sole focus is filling their buckets.
"Not a single police official comes here to check. There was major rush in the market today morning. Police should be deployed to make sure there is social distancing," Arvind said.
Area residents say their predicament reflects the apathy of the administration. "Curfew has been imposed so that we stay inside our homes and do not get infected. But we have to fight for water," a resident said.
According to Bharat, the local councillor, "We are working on the issue and the problem will be resolved at the earliest. Soon people won't have to come out of their houses to collect water." Earlier this month, TOI highlighted the issue faced by Hallomajra residents following which Mayor Raj Bala Malik promised to resolve the issue as soon as possible.