More than five lakh residents of Jharia are facing a water crisis from Tuesday because of a leak in the pipeline at Patharbangla that supplies water from Mineral Area Development Authority’s (Mada) treatment plant in Jamadoba.

The crisis aggravated on Friday following the repair work initiated on Wednesday afternoon.

On Tuesday, a large hole had developed in the main pipeline at Patharbangla in Jamadoba. Though partial water supply was carried out in different parts of Jharia till Thursday, the residents had to go without water on Friday. The repair, which is currently underway, is expected to be completed on Saturday.

Water supply is likely to become normal on Sunday.

A similar leak had developed in the Mada pipeline during the first week of July last year.

In August, leaks in the pipeline at Horiladih in Jharia had also cut off supply.

“We fail to understand why the old pipelines are not being replaced with the new ones. This will solve the problem of recurring leaks,” said Jay Kumar, councillor of Ward 40 in Jharia,

“Residents of Jharia have been badly hit by frequent leaks in supply pipelines, technical snags in motors and pumps of the water treatment plant and intake well of MADA at Jamadoba. Repeated strikes by Mada employees in the last two years have added to the woes. However, nobody seems to be bothered about finding a permanent solution to these problems,” Kumar added.

Kartik Kumar Sao, a wholesaler of gunny bags in Jharia, said those having water connections at home were less affected.

“They get the opportunity to stock sufficient water before such crisis. But those who are entirely dependent on public taps, are the worst sufferer. We have to stand in long queues once supply is restored and event then we are not sure whether we will get water,” he said.

Pankaj Kumar Jha, sub-divisional officer of water supply division of Mada, said the disruption in water supply was caused due to a large leak in the main pipeline and they gad to face difficulty in initiating repairs because of the accumulation of water and mud at spot.

“But the repair work is in full swing and we are expecting it to be completed by tomorrow (Saturday),” he added.