Facing a severe water crisis due to a prolonged dry spell, the Mizoram government has begun deploying water tankers to supply residents in Lunglei town, officials said on Friday. The town, Mizoram’s second largest after Aizawl, has been grappling with acute water shortages since March after the Tlawng River—its main water source—dried up significantly. With rainfall absent since January, the daily supply from the river has dropped to 1.5 million litres, far below the 3.5 million litres required, according to PHE officials.
To address the shortfall, the state government has arranged to transport water from the Mat River, flowing between Zobawk and Hnahthial. Distribution will begin Saturday under the Lunglei Municipal Council. Public Health Engineering Minister Lalnilawma, along with four local MLAs, facilitated the move. The Lunglei Truck Owners’ Association will assist in delivering water to over 80,000 residents across more than 16,000 tap connections.
PHE Superintending Engineer Zohmingliana said residents have been collecting water from streams, borewells, and 90 traditional ‘Tuikhur’ waterholes. He added that a gravity dam under construction on the Tlawng River could prevent future shortages if completed on time.
