Residents of Jyotinagar Colony in Cossipore, north Kolkata, have been living without a regular water supply for nearly three months, with locals alleging that the service was stopped because most residents are Muslims.
According to a report by The Wire journalist Anwesha Banerjee, the water supply to the colony was cut on May 29, 2026. Around 5,000 people reportedly live in the locality. Residents said five drinking-water taps were disconnected, leaving families dependent on water collected from the Ganga or carried from distant locations.
The residents have approached the Calcutta High Court through a writ petition seeking restoration of the water supply. The petition is yet to be heard.
Residents Allege Water Cut Over Voting Pattern
Residents claimed that local BJP MLA Ritesh Tiwari told them the water supply was stopped because they had not voted for the BJP. They also alleged that the MLA made religiously insensitive remarks when a group of women approached him seeking help.
“We have informed the borough office and the police station many times, but nothing has happened,” resident Akbar Ali told The Wire. “Why is the water stopped? It is because we are Muslims.”
Another resident, who requested anonymity, said that despite media reports on the issue, the community’s immediate concern remained access to drinking water. “The media has reported it. But what is the use? We want water,” he said.
Residents also claimed that electricity had earlier been disconnected but was later restored.
Families Forced to Depend on Polluted Ganga Water
With no regular drinking-water supply, residents, including women and children, are reportedly travelling more than a kilometre to collect water. Some families also use water from the nearby river for bathing and washing clothes.
Roshmila Khatun, a resident in her early twenties, said the lack of clean water had affected children’s health.
“We are using this Ganga water for everything. Just see the filth and the garbage in it,” she said. “Our children bathe here. Even babies of six and seven months are brought to the ghat and bathed there. Their skin turns red, rashes all over their tiny bodies.”
Residents said children have also been missing school, while elderly and sick people are struggling to cope with the situation.
Rikta Bibi recalled that the community recently had to use polluted river water during the funeral rites of a neighbour because there was no clean water available.
Hindu Neighbours Share Water Despite Fear
A Hindu neighbourhood located around 500 metres from Jyotinagar Colony has reportedly been sharing water with Muslim residents whenever possible. However, some Hindu residents said they fear that openly helping their Muslim neighbours could result in their own water supply being affected.
Saraswati, who has lived in the area for more than six decades, said young children are being exposed to danger while collecting or using river water.
“Children of two or three are going down to the bank of the river. Just a few days ago a baby almost drowned. If something happens, who will take responsibility?” she said.
Residents Move Calcutta High Court
Residents said repeated appeals to local authorities did not resolve the crisis. Moinuddin Sheikh, a shopkeeper, said they eventually approached the Calcutta High Court.
“After every request failed and the administration turned a deaf ear, we filed a writ petition in the Calcutta High Court ten days ago. The first hearing date has not been announced yet,” he said.
Residents also disputed claims that the colony occupies Kolkata Port Trust land. Babu Gazi said the settlement had existed for decades.
“Our slum is a registered one. How did it suddenly become KoPT land, and how can they want to evict us?” he asked.
MLA, Officials Yet to Respond
Residents alleged that MLA Ritesh Tiwari told them that the land belonged to the Kolkata Port Trust and advised them to approach the court. A group of women also alleged that he used religious slurs during a meeting.
The Wire contacted Tiwari, Kolkata Municipal Commissioner Smita Pandey and Kolkata Port Trust public relations officer Sanjay Mukherjee for their responses. The report said none had responded by the time it was published.
Pratip Nag, vice-president of the Asangathita Kshetra Sramik Sangrami Mancha, said, “We consider stopping water on religious grounds a crime.”
The continuing water crisis has left thousands dependent on distant water sources and a polluted river for basic needs. For the residents of Jyotinagar Colony, the demand remains simple: access to clean and safe water.
