Residents are forced to endure dangerous living conditions amid government neglect and broken promises
NEW DELHI/DEOGHAR – Residents of Narayanpur Muslim Tola, an area under ward number four of Jharkhand’s Deoghar Municipal Corporation, have been enduring deplorable living conditions, as they remain without even the most basic civic amenities like electricity, clean drinking water, paved roads, and proper drainage systems. Despite repeated appeals to local authorities, the residents continue to face hardships that have only worsened over the years.
Families in the densely populated locality survive in complete darkness due to the absence of reliable electricity. Some households have resorted to makeshift arrangements, pulling electricity wires through bamboo poles, a dangerous practice that poses a constant threat to their safety. “We are forced to live in darkness and unbearable heat. Our children suffer the most,” said Arshad Alam, a local. “There’s no proper electricity, no clean water, and not even a decent road to walk on.”
With no legal electricity connections for most homes, the locality remains plunged into darkness every night. The stifling heat, especially during summers, adds to the misery, as the residents have no fans or coolers to provide relief. The situation worsens during the monsoon season, as unpaved roads become submerged in water, making it nearly impossible for residents to move freely.
“During the rains, this entire place turns into a swamp,” said Nargis Bibi, a mother of four. “We slip and fall while walking, and the children often get hurt. The streets are always filled with dirty water and mosquitoes.”
To address the critical issue of drinking water, a mini water tower was installed in the area years ago under a government scheme. However, due to lack of maintenance, the water tower has ceased to function. The motor intended to pump water into the tower is broken and has not been repaired, despite numerous complaints from the residents. “That water tower has been lying useless for years,” said Firoz Ansari, another local. “We’ve written to the municipal corporation several times, but no one listens. We are still drinking water from an old pit.”
The water from the pit is unfiltered and untreated, raising concerns about waterborne diseases, particularly during the summer and monsoon months. Alongside the water crisis, the absence of a proper drainage system means that dirty water flows freely through the streets, breeding mosquitoes and spreading foul odours. “The entire environment is filthy. Garbage is dumped anywhere because there is no fixed dumping point or regular collection,” said Noor Jehan, a schoolteacher from the area. “Children fall sick frequently. The situation is not just unhygienic but dangerous.”
Locals have presented clear and practical solutions to address these ongoing problems. They have urged the authorities to repair the broken water tower and replace the motor to restore a reliable water supply. Furthermore, they have requested the implementation of the government’s Nal Se Jal scheme to ensure that every household has access to clean and safe drinking water through tap connections.
The residents have also called for the construction of paved roads in the area, as the current muddy paths make movement difficult and hazardous. They believe that properly paved roads would not only improve mobility but also reduce health risks. “Our children and the elderly are the worst affected by these conditions. Proper roads would make a huge difference,” said one resident.
In addition to these demands, the community has asked for a permanent and secure electricity supply. The makeshift wiring used by many residents is not only unreliable but also highly dangerous. A stable power connection, they argue, would alleviate some of the discomfort caused by the heat and darkness.
The residents have also highlighted the need for a proper drainage system to prevent the stagnation of water and the accumulation of filth in the area. Regular garbage collection would further help maintain basic hygiene and reduce the risk of disease.
These demands, the residents argue, are not luxuries but basic rights that every citizen should be entitled to. “We are Muslims, and our area has always been ignored by the authorities,” said Abdul Rauf, a retired government employee. “Development schemes reach every other part of the city, but not here. We are treated like we don’t exist.”
Social activists and civil society members have joined in urging the Deoghar Municipal Corporation to address the neglect of this community. “Basic facilities like electricity and water are human rights, not luxuries,” said Shaista Parveen, a local social worker. “This continued negligence reflects how indifferent the system is towards marginalised communities.”
Despite numerous complaints and appeals from the residents, the local administration has shown little urgency in resolving the issues. Many locals have expressed their frustration, yet they continue to hold on to a glimmer of hope that their situation might improve. “We don’t ask for much,” said Mohammad Yunus, a local elder. “We just want to live a life with dignity, with light in our homes, clean water to drink, and safe roads for our children.”
As the election season approaches, politicians have visited the area with promises of change, but residents claim that their issues are forgotten once the elections are over. “Every time they come with sweet words and folded hands,” said Salma Khatoon, a housewife. “But after the elections, they never return.”
For now, the residents of Narayanpur Muslim Tola continue to wait for the basics: electricity, clean water, proper roads, and the dignity they deserve.
