Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam has approached the United Nations human rights office over the alleged suspension of piped drinking water supply to Jyoti Nagar Colony in north Kolkata, claiming that around 5,000 residents have been struggling to access safe water for nearly two months.
In a written complaint dated Thursday to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Islam described the situation as a humanitarian concern and urged intervention to ensure the restoration of a reliable water supply.
MP Alleges Prolonged Water Shortage
According to Islam, the regular water supply was disrupted following the West Bengal Assembly elections, and repeated appeals to the local administration have failed to secure a permanent solution.
The alleged disruption has affected residents of Jyoti Nagar Colony, near Chitpur and Belgachia, leaving families struggling to obtain water for drinking, cooking, bathing and sanitation.
As the BJP came to power, the drinking water supply in Jyoti Nagar Colony in Kolkata was cut off, because the residents are Muslims and are not considered part of the BJP’s so-called vote bank. I have now written to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, seeking… pic.twitter.com/0EzpBckMDK
— Samirul Islam (@SamirulAITC) October 9, 2026
Islam further alleged that the shortage had disproportionately affected residents of the minority Muslim community, raising concerns about possible discrimination in access to an essential public service.
The allegations have not been independently verified. An official response from the authorities concerned was not available in the information provided.
Residents Depend on Water Tankers
According to the complaint, private individuals and social organisations have arranged water tankers to help residents cope with the shortage. However, the assistance has reportedly been insufficient to meet the needs of the colony’s population.
Children, elderly people and families with limited financial resources are among those said to be facing particular hardship.
The prolonged disruption has also raised concerns about hygiene and sanitation, with residents reportedly struggling to secure enough water for their daily needs.
Islam said repeated representations to the local administration had not resulted in a lasting solution. He urged the authorities to restore the supply and ensure residents have reliable access to safe drinking water.
MP Cites International Human Rights Principles
In his communication to the UN human rights office, Islam referred to international human rights principles concerning access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
He argued that access to these essential services should be treated as a matter of human dignity and the right to life, rather than as a benefit dependent on political considerations.
The United Nations recognises access to safe drinking water and sanitation as a human right. Islam urged the office to examine the alleged deprivation in Jyoti Nagar Colony in this context, rather than treating it solely as a municipal infrastructure problem.
Islam Seeks Explanation and Urgent Action
The MP has called on the UN human rights office to seek clarification from the relevant authorities regarding the reported disruption and the measures being taken to address it.
His complaint seeks an explanation for the prolonged interruption, details of arrangements to provide sufficient and safe water to residents, and a clear plan to restore pipeline connections and ensure a reliable supply.
He has also urged urgent measures to protect the health and dignity of children, elderly people and other residents particularly affected by the shortage.
Islam said international attention was necessary to ensure that the situation received an appropriate response.
The allegations raise questions about the reasons for the reported disruption, the steps taken by the local administration and the timeline for restoring normal water supply. The circumstances surrounding the disconnection and the allegation of discriminatory treatment require clarification from the authorities concerned.
