Srinagar, June 19: The residents of Naikbagh Nowgam and its adjoining colonies say they are facing a severe water crisis for the last ten days.
The affected colonies including Naikbagh, Shahi Hamdan Colony, Faizabad, Mehboob Colony, and others told Rising Kashmir that their water supply has been cut off.
“Over the past ten days, we have been grappling with the daily challenge of securing potable water for our basic needs,” Aijaz Ahmad, a local of Naikbagh said, adding, “We are being forced to purchase five-litre water bottles every day for drinking purposes, while the limited availability of tube well water is used for essential tasks.”
He said many families in the affected colonies cannot afford to purchase bottled water, and as a result, they are forced to use contaminated tube well water for drinking purposes. The situation is dire, as approximately ten colonies are enduring this hardship, Aijaz added.
The water supply in these areas is dependent on the Tangnor Water Supply Scheme, and the authorities have informed the locals that motor repairs could take further ten days.
“To our astonishment, the authorities have informed us that it will take more than ten additional days to repair the malfunctioning motors. With the Eid-ul Adha festival approaching, they are adding to our suffering. How can we celebrate this festival of sacrifice,” said Aatif Khan, a resident of Budshah Nagar.
He said the lack of potable water has cast a dark shadow over the residents’ preparations for the Eid. “Basic household chores have been put on hold due to the scarcity of water,” he said.
Shameema Tariq from Shahi Hamdan Colony said the agonising wait for water has become a nocturnal routine for the women of Nowgam who spend sleepless nights waiting for the arrival of the precious resource.
She said women are suffering for even the simplest tasks like washing their children’s uniforms.
Executive Engineer Water Supply Master Plan Division Srinagar, Shayiq Ahmad, told Rising Kashmir that the “widespread misuse” of water leads to its scarcity in the area.
He said the motors of Tangnor Water Supply Scheme have encountered technical problems, necessitating their repair at a workshop, which is estimated to take ten days to complete.
“People should use water judiciously rather than blaming that there is no adequate water supply to the area,” he said.
