Shopian villages face acute water scarcity

Srinagar: Inhabitants of various areas of South Kashmir’s Shopian district are up in arms against the Public Health Engineering (PHE), department for ‘failing to provide potable water supply in their villages since long’.

The residents of Chitragam Kalan,  Bandpawa, Pargochi, Voterpora, Reshiepora and its adjoining villages said that they are facing tough time due to acute water scarcity there.

“The womenfolk in this hilly district are being forced to walk miles through difficult and hilly terrain to fetch water,” the residents said.

“I have to walk at least two kilometers on daily basis to fetch potable water,” Zareefa Akhter, a resident of Chitragam Kalan said.

Locals alleged that they approached the concerned authorities several times but unfortunately nothing has been done in this regard.

“The higher ups of the PHE department assured us several times that our genuine grievances will be resolved soon but till now they have failed to fulfill their demands,” locals added.

Executive Engineer PHE Shopian, Ghulam Ahmed Beigh told Kashmir Vision that all water supply schemes, which were getting water supply from Sangloo irrigation Nalla have became dysfunctional due to prolonged dry spell.

“A team is already working there to restore these water supply schemes however if we failed to do so due to shortage of water in nallahs, then from Monday water tankers will be deployed in every village, so that residents may not suffer any more,” he added.

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