The Mizoram government has announced plans to deploy water tankers to alleviate an ongoing water crisis in Lunglei, the state’s second-largest town. The initiative comes as the region grapples with severe shortages triggered by a prolonged dry spell that has depleted local water sources.
Lunglei, home to approximately 80,000 residents, has been facing water scarcity since early March, with the situation worsening in recent weeks. The Tlawng River, the town’s primary water source, has seen a drastic reduction in flow, while the Pialthleng stream has dried up entirely. With daily water demand at 3.5 million liters, only about 1.5 million liters are currently available, leaving households and businesses struggling.
To address the crisis, the state’s Public Health Engineering Department is coordinating the distribution of water through tankers, sourcing from available streams and rivers. Authorities are also ensuring chlorination of water from traditional sources, known locally as ‘Tuikhur,’ to maintain safety for consumption. The government has urged residents to conserve water and cooperate with distribution efforts.
Officials remain hopeful that the completion of a new dam on the Tlawng River will provide a long-term solution to prevent future shortages. In the meantime, the tanker initiative aims to ease the burden on Lunglei’s residents as they await rainfall to replenish the town’s water reserves.
