Khagrachari hill village residents struggle with chronic water shortages as long treks to remote wells persist

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Residents of Bishnu Karbaripara, a remote village in the Dighinala sub-district of Khagrachhari, are facing a severe water crisis that forces hundreds of families to undertake arduous daily journeys for basic survival. For villagers like 41-year-old Juthika Tripura, the day begins long before dawn, as she navigates steep, rocky terrain for two kilometers to reach the community’s sole water source: a single, precarious well.

This well serves more than 700 families, creating constant congestion and long wait times. During the dry season, the well often runs nearly empty, while heavy rains contaminate the supply, turning the water murky and unsafe. The exhaustion of traversing the hilly paths multiple times a day often leaves women waiting at the well late into the evening, relying on kerosene lamps to collect water. The lack of reliable access is so acute that some residents have considered abandoning their ancestral homes to relocate near the well, though the demands of farming and tending to mountain gardens make such a move impractical for most.

Local leaders have signaled that the crisis is driving a rise in waterborne illnesses. Bhubonjoy Tripura, a local union parishad member, noted that the area’s rugged, rocky geography complicates conventional infrastructure, as standard tube wells fail to reach water. Despite repeated appeals to local authorities, the community remains without the deep-seated wells or ring wells necessary to provide a consistent, safe supply.

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Health officials warn that the current reliance on stagnant well water poses a significant public health risk. Dr. Ratan Khisa, the acting civil surgeon of Khagrachhari, emphasized that the water must be boiled to prevent outbreaks of diarrhea and other infections. However, due to a lack of awareness and fuel resources, many villagers consume the water untreated, compounding the health dangers.

Government officials acknowledge the severity of the situation. Dighinala Upazila Executive Officer Tanjil Parvez stated that the administration has received multiple petitions regarding the crisis. While budget constraints hampered efforts last year, authorities have pledged to prioritize the installation of tube wells in underserved, remote areas as soon as this year’s funding becomes available.