Indian Muslim Lawmaker Seeks UN Intervention Over Water Shortage in Kolkata

Indian Muslim Lawmaker Seeks UN Intervention Over Water Shortage in Kolkata
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An Indian Muslim lawmaker has appealed to the United Nations for intervention over a prolonged drinking water shortage affecting nearly 5,000 residents, mostly Muslims, in Jyotinagar Colony, Kolkata. Residents reportedly have lacked a reliable tap water supply since July 29, relying on irregular water tankers, neighboring communities and water from the Ganga River.

Samirul Islam, a Trinamool Congress member of India’s upper house of Parliament, wrote to the UN human rights office, alleging that the disruption amounts to religious discrimination following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s electoral victory in West Bengal. Residents say neighboring Hindu-majority areas continue to receive water, while some Hindu neighbors have shared their supplies with affected families.

Islam urged authorities to explain the prolonged disruption, provide immediate relief and restore a permanent water supply, highlighting health risks for children and elderly residents. The allegations of politically motivated discrimination have not been independently verified.