Residents of Pechi village under Heirok Assembly Constituency held a public protest today, demanding immediate restoration of water supply ahead of the upcoming Ningol Chakouba festival on Thursday. The demonstration follows a court order that issued an interim stay on the local water supply project, halting work in the area.
According to villagers, Pechi currently has no functional water supply, with only two hand pumps—one of which is non-operational. Members of Pechi Club, Meira Paibis, and other community leaders convened a public meeting to urge authorities to ensure water availability before the festival so families can celebrate properly.
A local Meira Paibi leader said residents are forced to fetch water from a distant pond, which is unsafe for drinking. “We only request the government to release the water before Ningol Chakouba,” she added.
The halt in the project stems from a land dispute. The site is recorded as state land under the Settlement Department, but some individuals allegedly attempted to claim ownership through illegal pattas, prompting the court case and suspension of work. Villagers have reportedly socially boycotted those making illegal claims.
Locals appealed to the government to intervene immediately, resume the project, and ensure water supply to Pechi village ahead of the festival.
