Mizoram’s second-largest town, Lunglei, is battling a severe water crisis due to a prolonged dry spell that has nearly dried up its main water sources, officials said on Tuesday. With no rainfall since January, the Tlawng River — Lunglei’s primary source — has drastically reduced in volume, supplying just 1.5 million litres daily against the town’s demand of 3.5 million litres. The Pialthleng stream, another crucial source, has dried up completely.
Superintending Engineer of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, Zohmingliana, said pumping hours have dropped from 24 to just 9–13 hours daily. “The government is transporting water from other streams, but if rains don’t come soon, things could get worse,” he warned.
Over 16,000 tap connections now receive water only once a month. Many residents rely on private water suppliers, often waiting up to three days for a refill. Others turn to borewells and traditional waterholes or Tuikhur, with over 90 such sources in use.
