People block the way to Jugsalai in protest against water scarcity in the area. Picture by Uma Shankar Dubey

Jamshedpur, May 6: Traffic came to a standstill as residents in non-Tisco areas blocked the Jugsalai-Railway Station Main Road today.

The demonstration against the poor supply of water in the area continued for more than an hour. Although the local police were present at the spot, they remained mute spectators.

Movement of traffic along that important stretch of road was disrupted as men, women and children from the adjoining slums shouted slogans against the departments concerned for their failure to provide adequate water in their locality.

The blockade was withdrawn after officials of the water and sanitation departments promised to address the problem immediately. Local policemen had summoned the water and sanitation department officials apprehending that the situation could go out of hand.

“We have given an ultimatum to the department that if proper water supply is not restored in three days, we shall intensify our agitation,” said Pervez Akhtar, a youth of Purani Bustee.

Several areas in Jugsalai, including Purani Bustee, Dhobi Lane, Millatnagar and Islamnagar have been facing an acute water crisis for the past few months.

Despite repeated requests the authorities did not take note of the problem. The residents alleged that when water is supplied in Jugsalai, some people use pumps and store the water in their houses. Deputy commissioner Sunil Kumar Burnwal said, “Some areas are facing water shortage. We told the officials to hire water tankers. I am sure the crisis will be oversoon.”