Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 18: Irritated and feeling ignored over the acute shortage of drinking water, residents of Danderkhah area in Batmaloo staged a protest today, urging authorities to take action.
Dozens of residents blocked the road to press for the resolution of the issue, which they said has persisted for several months.
“Until recently, we had an adequate water supply and faced no difficulties. But for nearly two months now, there has been no proper supply and the authorities are acting as mute spectators,” said Harris Ahmad, a local resident.
The protest caused a blockade of the road and temporarily disrupted traffic in the locality.
Locals alleged that despite repeated complaints, their pleas have gone unheard.
“We see MLAs and others when they need our votes. Once elections are over, they disappear,” said a woman protester.
Residents said they are forced to fetch water from distant places, causing immense inconvenience to families, particularly women and children.
Another woman protester said she had recently been billed Rs 6,000 despite the lack of supply.
“I am a widow and had to struggle to pay the bill, but now we don’t even have drinking water,” she said.
Women protesters said they had no choice but to come out on the roads. “We had no other option. The authorities must take note of this and act immediately,” they said.
Notably, the traffic remained disrupted for some time as demonstrators erected blockades to press their demands.
The protesters urged higher authorities to intervene and ensure the immediate restoration of regular water supply in the area.
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