From our Correspondent JORHAT, Aug 9: Due to the failure of the Government-sponsored water supply schemes in north-west Jorhat, the residents of this tribal-dominated area have been deprived of drinking water facilities for a long time. The majority of the 30-odd villages under Dhekorgorah Development Block within Dergaon Legislative Assembly, located about 20-25 km from here, have neither electricity nor potable water. The area falls within the jurisdiction of Jorhat (West) revenue circle. Sources pointed out that two deep tube wells were dug in Kareng Chapori and Upar Deori villages by the Public Health Engineering Department in 1987 during the first term of the Asom Gana Parishad Government. Though the requisite physical infrastructure was also put into place, the water projects never became fully functional, the sources alleged. Though the well in Upar Deori village has been operational, the quality of the water supplied is unfit for use due to lack of filtration. The Kareng Chapori project has come a total cropper as power supply itself is not available in the area. The sources pointed out that due to lack of any work to complete the projects, the pipes which were laid down for supplying water hade been stolen by miscreants. Other structures have also worn out. This has led to wastage of huge public funds. Sources close to Deori Students' Union, which has demanded the renewal of the water projects, said that drinking water facilities should be arranged on a priority basis by the Government as the area is flood-prone. The non-access to clean water has been responsible for the spread of diseases in the villages. The situation becomes grave during the monsoon season as the people have to draw water from contaminated sources, too. The sources rued that the State Government has been most indifferent towards redressing the grievances of the tribal and indigenous communities of the State. The far north-eastern part of Jorhat lies within Koliabor Parliamentary constituency which is at present represented by Congressman Dip Gogoi, younger brother of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. The Chief Minister himself had represented the constituency before his present position.