Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 8: Several areas in Baramulla district have been grappling with a severe shortage of drinking water for the past week, severely impacting the daily lives of nearly 10, 000 residents.
Many areas within Baramulla, including the main town, Khujbagh, Jetty, Sherwani Colony, Singabugh, and Monga Colony, are experiencing severe water scarcity, leaving a significant portion of the population without access to safe drinking water.
Local residents pointed out a series of disruptions in the electricity supply, primarily attributed to the installation of smart metres and tree pruning, as the root cause of this pressing issue. They accused the Jal Shakti department of failing to devise an alternative plan to ensure uninterrupted water supply to the affected population. “We are enduring immense difficulties in accessing drinking water. It has become a daily struggle even to wash or bathe, and it seems that the administration is not taking our concerns seriously,” one resident said.
Expressing their frustration, residents highlighted the lack of utilisation of diesel generators by the Jal Shakti department to ensure essential water supply to the communities. “The fact that they are not utilising these generators during this crisis raises serious questions about the department’s commitment to fulfilling this vital need. Our taps have remained dry for the past 7-8 days, and the hardship is unimaginable,” said another resident.
Despite numerous complaints, the authorities have been unmoved. “Access to water and electricity is a fundamental right for every citizen, but our taps have run dry for 7-8 days. Despite numerous complaints, the authorities are yet to take any meaningful action,” expressed another resident.
Shahid Ahmad, an engineer at the Jal Shakti Department, cited a sudden drop in the water level of the Jehlum River as the primary reason for the decreased water supply, “All water schemes along the Jehlum River have been affected, and we are unable to operate the water stations at full capacity,” he said.
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