Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 19: The residents of Chainbal in Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district staged a protest today against water scarcity, which later turned violent, leading to injuries and damage to several vehicles.
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Early in the morning, locals blocked the Srinagar-Baramulla national highway as a mark of protest, seeking an immediate resolution to the water scarcity problem.
Even as the police tried to pacify the protestors, they did not budge, leading to brief clashes that resulted in injuries and damage to the stranded vehicles on the road.
Later in the day, Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, said that a water supply scheme worth Rs 60 crores is being constructed to address the water deficit in the Pattan area.
Speaking to reporters in Pattan, he said the aim of this project is to provide a reliable and sustainable water supply to the entire area, alleviating the long-standing issues of water scarcity.
“An Rs 60 crore project can’t be completed overnight, but work is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed in the next 6-7 months,” he said.
The Deputy Commissioner mentioned that 75 percent of the work has been completed and the area, which has long faced water issues, will soon get piped potable water.
He also said that an inquiry will be conducted to investigate the violent clashes that erupted during the protest.
The DC assured the public that measures are being taken to resolve the water scarcity issue promptly.
Meanwhile, SSP Baramulla, Amod Ashok, assured that no action will be taken against the youth following an incident of stone pelting that occurred at Chainbal during the protest.
“I assure you that no action will be taken against any youth. Water scarcity is a genuine concern; neither you nor I can live without water,” he said.
The SSP emphasized that the issue can be resolved through dialogue. “I appeal to you not to resort to stone pelting,” he said.
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