Local women have staged a protest by surrounding the District Administration Office in Simkot, the district headquarters, citing a severe shortage of drinking water. The protest took place on March 18 at Ekata Chowk and Kathe Chuli after the water supply in the Simkot market area had been disrupted since March 6.
Complaining that taps have run dry for the past 10 days, residents of Simkot Rural Municipality–5 and 6 staged a sit-in at the District Administration Office, Humla, and drew the attention of Chief District Officer Tek Kumar Regmi.
Around 15 households of local women demonstrated at the main gate of the administration office, carrying empty vessels.
Local resident Udgum Budha stated that despite repeated requests to Simkot Rural Municipality to ensure a drinking water supply, their concerns have not been addressed. According to him, a formal application was submitted on March 14 requesting a solution, but no action has been taken.
Another local, Nirmala Aidi, said they were compelled to approach the administration office after the municipality failed to respond. She added that a joint demand had been submitted.
Chief District Officer Tek Kumar Regmi stated that the issue is not very serious, but assured that efforts will be made to resolve it. Meanwhile, Simkot Rural Municipality Chairperson Bijay Bhandari has expressed commitment to addressing the drinking water problem.