Sullia: The families living near the border villages of Markanja and Aranthodu continue to suffer after forest department staff cut off water supply lines three days ago citing forest fires.

The locals have lashed out at the officials for causing inconvenience to over 15 families living in remote villages who were drawing water from the large pits in Myraje forest area for over 15 years. They had also made provision for its seamless supply for daily needs.

Elected representatives from the affected areas paid a visit to assess the gravity of the problem on Friday, March 31. They were accompanied by Sullia Zilla Panchayath member Harish Kanjipili, Markanja GP President Monappa Poojary and others. As of now, Ajjikallu, Kattathodi and Bajinadka hamlets are receiving water through tankers to tide over the sudden crisis following unexpected disruption.

The forest department has assured of restoring the water supply soon and the angered villagers remain in anticipation of an early solution.

Meanwhile, Sullia Block Congress President M Venkappa Gowda has assured to solve the problem at the earliest and also bring the issue to the notice of Forest Minister Ramanath Rai.