Taps are running dry for the last three days in most parts of Kharar, courtesy the lackadaisical approach of the civic body towards basic and essential services. Surprisingly, a technical snag in one of the 20 tubewells, which feed the township, has rendered thousands thirsty since Saturday.

Attributing the water crisis to a snag in a tubewell at the Old Municipal Park, Kharar Municipal Council Assistant Municipal Engineer (AME) Baldev Raj Verma said the work to replace the faulty motor was on. However, he fell short of words when asked how the snag in one tubewell rendered major parts of the township dry.

The residents of Landran Road, Gandhi Bazaar, Main Bazaar, Mohalla Jogian, Mohalla Dhobian, Balmiki Colony, Old Sabzi Mandi, Upper Bazaar, Mohalla Tarkhana, Janata Chowk, Quila Chowk and several other localities were seen queuing up at hand pumps, after travelling long distances.

“We have no water to drink, there is no point of thinking about other chores,” said Anju, who was arguing with hordes of people at a hand pump. Several residents alleged that the problem became grave as the supply of other tubewells was diverted to some “VIP areas” to ensure water supply. A harried housemaker, Sujata, questioned, “Is this a glimpse of what we have in store in the coming summer season?”