Tripura: Over 60 families in Shibbari struggle for basic amenities, will govt pay heed?

Inhabited by the indigenous Reang community, the residents in Shibbari often find themselves far from modern amenities and development

Has the government’s ambitious plans to facilitate welfare in every nook and corner of Tripura failed?

While the government claims that a lot has been done to alleviate the sufferings of the needy, the real picture seems to be quite different.

Shibbari, a remote village nestled amidst hills and forests close to Kailasehar in Unakoti district is one such place, which bears the testimony of poor development.

Be it electricity or water, over 60 families of 200 individuals living in Shibbari, are deprived of these amenities in this modern day world. Inhabited by the indigenous Reang community, the residents in Shibbari often find themselves far from modern amenities and development, largely relying on natural springs or stream water for their sustenance.

While nearly 77 years have passed since India gained independence and over 50 years since the formation of the full-fledged state of Tripura, Reang communities, considered one of the most primitive tribe, still struggle with basic necessities.

Those residing in Shibbari have access to electricity, but the power supply remains erratic, with power outages lasting up to 7 hours daily.

The much-spoken ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ seems to have overlooked these remote settlements, leaving them reliant on natural water sources like springs or stream water oozing out of hills.

Despite promises of development, the reality on the ground paints a stark picture of unfulfilled commitments and broken assurances.

Residents lament that while government vehicles occasionally deliver water to their villages, the service has been irregular in recent months, leaving them dependent on the water from springs.

The arduous task of fetching water, often taking hours, poses a significant challenge, especially during the dry season when streams run dry, exacerbating the water scarcity crisis.

Local residents express frustration at the lack of reliable access to clean water, emphasizing that the water obtained from springs is not always safe for consumption, leading to various waterborne illnesses.

The arduous journey to fetch water from distant sources underscores the daily struggles faced by these communities, where the fight for water is synonymous with the fight for survival.

As promises of development ring hollow in these remote regions, tribal communities like the Reang continue to grapple with the harsh realities of water scarcity, highlighting the urgent need for sustained government intervention and comprehensive solutions to address their plight.

Until then, the daily battle for water remains an integral part of life for these marginalized communities, where the promise of progress often feels like a distant dream.

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