Of 110 revenue villages under Bijepur block here, 80 are water-stressed. Out of 800 tubewells in the block, 200 are lying defunct.

Water projects under Swajaldhara rural water supply scheme in villages of Gudimunda T Gondpali and Jokhipali are lying defunct. After working for some time, those were rendered defunct due to breakdown of transformer. Neither has the transformer been repaired nor replaced. Stand posts in various areas are also in bad shape.

At Piplipali village under Budapali gram panchayat of the block, the problem is high fluoride content in water. Villagers alleged that though they have been requesting the officials for supply of drinking water, no step has been taken yet. They said the officials forget about the issue after monsoon arrives.

Junior Engineer of RWSS Sanjib Panda said steps are being taken to repair the defunct tubewells and transformer of Swajaldhara project.