Ganderbal, Oct 30: A Inhabitants of Sumbal Bala Gund and surrounding areas in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district are grappling with a looming health crisis as the Jal Shakti department distributes contaminated drinking water, raising concerns about water quality and departmental responsibility.
Despite the region’s ample water resources, recent incidents have left residents in distress as they face the grim reality of muddy and polluted water flowing from their taps.
Local residents from Sumbal Bala Gund have reported the issue, expressing their fears of potential health hazards associated with the consumption of such compromised water. The affected areas include Sumbal, surfraw, syed basti, and nearby localities, intensifying the urgency for prompt intervention.
Ab Majid, another local resident, voiced his concern, revealing that the Jal Shakti department had laid water pipes two decades ago, but many have since fallen into disrepair. Moreover, a mega filtration plant was partially constructed at Yadaji Pati five years ago, but its completion remains pending. This lack of infrastructure maintenance exacerbates the problems faced by local residents, particularly during the unforgiving winter season.
The situation has sparked a growing demand for immediate attention from authorities to address the contaminated water supply crisis, protect public health, and ensure a safe and reliable source of drinking water for the affected communities
An official from the Jal Shakti department has confirmed that the filtration plant is now complete, and the remaining task involves laying pipes. The department has instructed the contractor to expedite the pipe installation process to initiate the filtration plant operation promptly, ensuring local residents have access to safe drinking water.
