Khag, Jan 5: Residents of Nassarpora Check Mohalla in Khag protested on Monday over a prolonged shortage of drinking water, accusing the Public Health Engineering Department of failing to supply basic water during the harsh winter.

Protesters blocked the Khag Magam Road for about an hour, raising slogans against the department and chanting “PHE Hai Hai” to express their frustration.

Locals said the area has been without drinking water for several days, forcing women to walk nearly a kilometre to fetch water from a polluted stream, posing serious health risks to children, the elderly, and patients.

Residents demanded immediate action from the district administration and intervention by the local MLA, warning that they would intensify agitation if the supply is not restored. Traffic was temporarily disrupted before police restored normal movement.