In addition to shortage of supply, the people of Old Dhaka have complained of pollution and stench in piped water.

During the last two weeks, there has been constant reports of water crisis from different areas of Old Dhaka, Gupibagh, Hatkhola, Goran, Shantinagar, Arambagh, Modhubagh in Moghbazar, Moulavirtek in Khilgaon, Sultanganj in Rayer Bazar, Madhya Bashabo, Shewrapara, Sangbadik Colony in Mirpur and some areas in Pallabi.

A week ago about 500 residents of Moulavirtek brought out a procession with pitchers and pots demanding water supply and alleging that they have been facing acute shortage for about two months.

The processionists informed that besides Moulavirtek, water supply has almost stopped in the adjacent Reazbagh, Khilgaon Chhapra Masjid, Chowdhurypara, Tarabagh Baubazar and Taltala Market areas.

They said that the residents wait for water till early morning everyday but the supply stops barely in an hour.

Similarly, the people of Modhubagh have been suffering from acute water shortage for the last 4-5 weeks.

People complained that the local pump house could not supply water for more than one or two hours a day as it has almost lost its extraction capacity.

A Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) official however, said that work is underway to replace the deep tubewell within the next two weeks.

"The crisis has deepened with the current heat wave as the water level in many areas went down further," he said.

Wasa is going to take emergency steps for crisis hit areas like Khilgaon, Nayatola, Modhubagh etc soon, he informed.

Wasa sources said most of the 1200-kilometre pipelines in the Old Dhaka are 40-60 years old. They suffered hundreds of leakage from time to time due to different reasons. During summer when water pressure goes down dirt gets into the pipeline through these leakages.

Besides, improper water connection, illegal use of motor pumps by clients, faulty road digging or drainage work adds to the situation.

Citing a recent survey, sources informed that 70 per cent cases of contamination take place in overhead tanks or underground reservoirs, as they are not properly maintained.

However, Wasa has taken initiative to replace pipelines in some areas on emergency basis. Ninety kilometres will be replaced within this year, said a source adding, "It's a lengthy job. Only quick government decision and fund allocation can speed up the whole process."