Hetauda, March 14

Residents of Phakhel VDC in Makawanpur district have been reeling under acute shortage of drinking water as the local water resources have gone dry after last year’s devastating earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.

The villagers have been migrating to other places after the local Chakhel River dried completely.

Locals of ward no 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, of the VDC, were highly dependent on the river as it was the only source of regular water supply. The Rakasa Khola, Lapshi Khola and Mahalaxmi Khola, among other rivers which were big water sources, have also turned dry.

Hira Lal Balami, administrative assistant at the VDC, said almost all the local water sources had gone dry.

He said the locals were compelled to spend hours fetching water. “Local folks have no option but to buy 20 litres of water at Rs 10,” he added.

Balami said the villagers were ferrying water in mini trucks.