Water Crisis Sparks Public Anger, Minister Kishore Barman Faces Protest Over Drinking Water Shortage in Minister Bikash Debbarma's Constituency
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, August 11, 2026
A serious drinking water crisis in the 36 Maile areas under Krishnapur Assembly Constituency has triggered growing public anger, with residents resorting to road blockades today morning to press for an immediate solution. The situation turned tense when Minister Kishore Barman was reportedly caught in the blockade during a protest by residents of the 36 Miles area, who demanded regular access to safe drinking water.
The protesters expressed deep frustration over the continuing shortage since last more than week and questioned how they could survive without water. “How can we live without water?” was the central concern raised by residents, who alleged that despite repeated demands, their basic requirement for drinking water has not been adequately addressed.
During the protest, Minister Kishore Barman reportedly faced strong criticism from members of the public. The minister is understood to have expressed regret over the situation, reflecting the seriousness of the confrontation between the administration and the aggrieved residents.
The incident has also triggered a wider political debate in the area. Critics have questioned the effectiveness of the government’s implementation of the “Har Ghar Jal” initiative under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide functional tap-water connections to rural households.
Residents and opposition voices have alleged that the promise of household drinking water has not translated into a reliable supply in several rural and remote areas. The Krishnapur protest has therefore raised questions about whether the objectives of the central scheme are being achieved on the ground.
The constituency is represented in the state Assembly by Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, while local political criticism has also been directed at the elected MDC representing the area. Protesters and critics have questioned the absence of effective intervention by local elected representatives and demanded to know what steps have been taken to resolve the water crisis.
Sharp criticism has also emerged on social media, with some users accusing political representatives of failing to adequately address the day-to-day problems of ordinary people. Some posts have called for accountability from the ruling alliance and questioned whether electoral promises have translated into basic public services.
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