Amid heat wave, Shopian residents demand installation of water purifiers at key locations
Shopian: As Kashmir continues to reel under a heat wave, residents of Shopian town are raising strong demands for the installation of water purifiers at critical public spots across the town.
With temperatures soaring and clean drinking water becoming scarce, locals say the lack of access to safe water is compounding their hardships.
Many residents are complaining of gastrointestinal issues and dehydration due to consumption of untreated water. The urgency of the situation has prompted several appeals to the administration for immediate intervention.
“We are forced to drink unfiltered tap water. It tastes bad, and many of us are falling sick. My son had to be taken to the hospital this week for stomach infection,” said Ghulam Nabi, a resident of Gagran locality.
Another resident, Firdousa Jan, highlighted the difficulties women face during the heat wave.
“We have to walk long distances in this scorching heat to get few litres of safe water. It is taking a toll on our health,” she said.
The affected residents are especially urging for water purifiers to be installed near hospitals, markets, and bus stands where footfall is high and people are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
In response to the growing demand, an official from the municipal Committee Shopian acknowledged the issue and confirmed steps are being taken.
“Water purifiers have been procured and we are in the process of identifying suitable locations. The installation process will take about a month to complete,” the official stated, assuring that all measures are being taken to ensure timely execution.
Health experts have also warned of the heightened risk of water-borne diseases during heat waves and stressed the importance of providing clean drinking water to the public.
The residents hope their concerns will be met with urgency, as many continue to struggle with the dual threat of heat and contaminated water.
