KHOTANG: Local people at religious place Halesi in Khotang District are reeling under acute shortage of drinking water. The problem is compounded due to drying of water sources at northern Basahasthan following the devastating April 25 earthquake.

Taman Rai, Executive Director of the Halesi Development Committee, said water sources have been drying up gradually after the quake. "A new spring had emerged after the disaster, which later dried," he said.

About 300 families in the area are forced to walk about two hours to fetch water from nearby water sources, said a local resident Ganesh Karki. "Forget locals, pilgrims are hit hard due to the water shortage," he added.

Gajurman Rai, Chairman of the Halesi Temple Management Committee, said their demands with various sectors for managing the drinking water in the area have yet to be addressed.

Bijaya Kumar Thakur, Chief at the District Drinking Water and Sanitation Sub Division Office, said that upon being informed of the problem, a technical team has been sent to the area. He, however, said that it is impossible for his office to resolve the matter itself and that they will ask the higher bodies for help.