Leakage in PHE pipes damaging apple orchards in Hanjipora Shopian, allege locals
Shopian: The residents of Hanjipora area in Zainapora constituency of Shopian district have alleged that the water leakages in PHE pipes are damaging their orchards.
The residents of Hanjipora said that government has been claiming that they are working to provide potable water to every household but ground situation is proving to be different.
They alleged that PHE laid old pipes through their orchards that are full of leakages thereby water is entering orchards and causing damage to them.
Sameer Ahmad, a local resident said that water is continuously entering their orchards that freezes during this chilling winter and causes damage to apple trees.
He said that the government must clear that why old pipes were laid that were already leaking while they have further bursted due to which they are unable to enter their orchards.
Javid Ahmad, another local said that everywhere new pipes are laid but due to unknown reasons old pipes were laid in the area that is causing leakages damaging orchards and denying people of their share of potable water.
He said that if orchards suffered any more damage, PHE will be responsible and they will have to pay for it.
The locals said that they have brought this issue into the notice of concerned authorities several times but to no avail.
They have requested government to constitute a committee to investigate as why old pipes were laid in their area and measures should be initiated to check leakage as well.
They have sought attention of MLA Zainapora and Deputy Commissioner Shopian in this regard.
Meanwhile, an official of the PHE department said that they have taken cognizance of the issue and leakages are being closed while laying of old pipes is being investigated.
