Water from ‘Watal Ara’ enters residential areas in Hari Parigam Awantipora during rains
Locals demand intervention of authorities
Srinagar: The residents of Hari Parigam area of Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district are up in arms against the authorities as they have failed in constructing a strong wall on the Watal Ara in the area.
They said that whenever there are heavy rains, the water of the Ara enters into the residential area due to which locals are unable to move out of the houses.
They said that the entry of water in the residential area puts the lives of their children at risk.
Mohammad Sultan, a local resident said that Watal Ara has been encroached at several places due to which the carrying capacity of the Ara has reduced.
He said that whenever there are heavy rains, the water level of the Ara increases and it enters into residential area in Ganie Mohalla and other Mohallas of Hari Parigam.
He said that a wall was constructed but if water level increases and crosses the wall, it enters into residential areas confining the movement of locals to their houses only.
Mukhtar Ahmad, another local said that their children are unable to go schools until the water level decreases.
He said that in case of emergency people of the area suffer as they have to carry their patients through water.
Locals said that they have brought this issue into the notice of concerned authorities several times but to no avail.
They requested higher ups to look into the matter immediately and take necessary steps in this regard so that locals won’t suffer anymore.
Jahangeer Ganaie
