Panchthar settlement struggles with acute water shortage as sources run dry

350 households affected. Locals blame unchecked road construction and use of heavy machinery for dwindling springs.

Sushmi Yokpangden, a 27-year-old woman from ward 7 of Hilihang Rural Municipality in Panchthar, is eight months pregnant. However, since April, she has had to make a half an hour journey on foot to the nearest spring in Chukphara to fetch drinking water. She has to make this trip at least thrice a day.