Baramulla, July 25 : Residents of Rashidabad in Rafiabad have been staging protests against the Jal Shakti Department over an acute water shortage that has persisted for nearly four months, severely affecting their daily lives.
Locals told news agency JKNS that the crisis has forced women to walk several kilometers to fetch drinking water. “We have been pleading for months, but no one listens. Women are forced to fetch water from far-off places every single day,” said Haleema Begum, a resident.
Protesters also alleged that the little water supplied is often contaminated, leading to a rise in water-borne diseases. “The water we get occasionally is dirty and unsafe. Children are falling ill, but the authorities are unmoved,” said Abdul Rashid, another local.
Despite repeated complaints, residents claim no concrete steps have been taken. “Officials only give assurances, but nothing changes on the ground. We are tired of hollow promises,” said Mohammad Shafi, a protester.
Officials from the Jal Shakti Department told JKNS that a filtration plant had been established for residents in the Hardushiva area, but a dispute between Hardushiva and PHE departments is halting water supply to several localities. “We are working on it and will ensure the matter is resolved within a couple of days,” the official added. (JKNS)
