Kund (Kulgam), Sep 15: A significant milestone has been achieved in the Kund area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district as a previously underserved hamlet gains access to potable water supply for the very first time. This development has brought immense joy to the local community.
Hakradan Waripora village, located approximately 20 kilometers from the Kulgam district headquarters, had long been without a piped water connection for drinking purposes. However, the initiation of the Jal Jeevan Scheme has transformed the lives of its residents, now benefitting from a fully operational tap water system.
According to the residents, fetching water for daily use had been an arduous task, requiring them to trek over a kilometre. This challenge was especially daunting for women, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Farooq Ahmad Bakshi, a member of the community, expressed, “The village, comprising around 55 households, has finally received piped water connections, bringing immense relief to all of us.”
The region’s heavy snowfall compounded the difficulties faced by women, with some even sustaining injuries while transporting drinking water during the winter months.
The Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship program, has been successful in extending tap water access to thousands of households in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory since its inception.
A resident of the area conveyed her gratitude, stating, “The steady flow of water in our taps is truly a blessing. We’re optimistic that this supply remains consistent. Experiencing this is a dream come true, and we hope it doesn’t diminish in the coming months.”
She highlighted the transformative impact of this development, noting how it has alleviated the burdens previously endured by the community.
“Gone are the days of long journeys to fetch water. Now, with this newfound access, our daily lives are significantly easier. We can only hope that this positive change endures for the long term,” she added.
Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of Jal Shakti Qazigund commended the project, emphasizing that the hamlet was previously unconnected to the piped water supply. Thanks to the Jal Jeevan Mission, each household in the village now enjoys the benefits of tap water connections.
The AEE urged the community to use water judiciously, avoiding excessive consumption for non-essential purposes, and to refrain from diverting drinking water for agricultural or other uses.
