Though successive Governments at the Centre and in the State have adopted several ambitious schemes like Sajaldhara to supply safe drinking water to people, due to the alleged indifference and lack of proper follow-up action of the Government, there has been no desired results. The Government observed 2003 as the year of safe drinking water. But it is a matter of great regret that even after five years, the objectives of the scheme have been relegated to the background as is evident from the dismal water supply schemes in several parts of Barpeta district. The Central Government implemented the safe drinking water schemes way back in 1972 covering the whole country. In this regard, the Barpeta Water Supply Division was established in 1979 and since then 112 schemes for water supply have been undertaken for execution under its jurisdiction. But out of these, only 74 have been completed, and, as of now, only 56 are functional. During 2007-08, 17 new schemes were adopted, out of which, construction of 14 schemes have been completed. In addition to piped schemes, the division also implemented a source supply of drinking water scheme, where till now 9,881 tubewells, 6,832 tara pumps, 370 chingurs, 1,214 ring wells have been installed in different locations. In addition, 340 and 1,340 tara pumps have been installed in various educational institutions and villages during this period. The most significant aspect regarding implementation of the water supply schemes in Barpeta district is that in spite of 19 years of its existence, several backward areas have till date remained untouched by it. The people of those areas are being forced to depend on stream, rivers or ponds for their day to day activities, which has led to many health hazards. On the other hand, a high-level official of the PHE Department at Barpeta, informed that a number of water-treatment plants were damaged during the Bodo agitation, besides devastation caused by recurring floods every year to several piped plants and tubewells. He added that they have submitted fresh proposals with survey reports for establishment of new water treatment plants. Similarly, a proposal worth Rs 2.80 lakh has been submitted to the Government for renovation of 25 damaged plants. The plants proposed for repair include Balabet, Bherbheri, Bilashipara under Sarbhog constituency; Tihu Dekhata, Bar Manikpur, Titkagladia under Patacharkuchi constituency; Gharamara, Palhazi under Barpeta constituency; Niz Saldah, Haladhibari, Mazdia and Nalirgaon under Sarukshetri constituency; Sarupeta, Puthimari, Medhikuchi and Karguri Pathar under Bhabanipur constituency; Ganakpara and Nagaon under Chenga constituency; Galamari, Barbhitha, Raha, Jania and Gunialguri under Jania constituency and Mandi and Xatra Kanara under Baghbar constituency. If these plants are repaired and activated, lakhs of rural people will be benefited. But the plan of action of the Government is the vital factor in this regard.