Come summer and there would be water scarcity In Umaria. This was the annual feature. However, today with the initiative of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), the scenario has changed where plenty of drinking water is available in the town.
This was possible with the implementation of Jamunia water supply scheme run by SECL under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Umrar River is the main water source for Umaria residents, which flows from the middle of the town. A stop dam was constructed on the river looking at the low level of water during Monsoon. The situations during summers turned worse due to heavy dependence on the river. Around 1000 families would use water of Umrar River for drinking purpose.
With a view to solve the water scarcity, SECL used water of Chapha mines in Johila Area. Under CSR works, SECL started Jamunia Water Supply scheme where construction of new tank, laying of 3000 metres pipeline to draw water through pump and supply to Umaria was carried out. An amount of Rs 122.85 lakh was spent on the scheme. Now, 12 million litre of water is pumped out and flown in Chapha nullah, which is supplied to Umaria. The daily water requirement of Umaria is 3 million litres whereas it gets 12 million litres of water.
With the people getting water from Chapha mines, their dependency on Umrar River has come down. The people have expressed happiness and thanked SECL management for solving their water woes.
