Gulshanpora Tral residents demand potable water
Pulwama: The residents of Gujjar Basti in Gulshanpora area of Tral on Monday staged a silent protest against the alleged failure of the Jal Shakti Department to provide adequate drinking water, highlighting severe hardships faced by the local population. Despite repeated assurances by the government to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential services during the holy month of Ramadan, many areas continues to grapple with an acute shortage of potable water. Gulshanpora’s Gujjar Basti is among the worst affected, where residents say the lack of clean drinking water has turned daily life into a struggle.
Carrying empty containers, men and women from the locality assembled to voice their concerns, urging authorities to take immediate action. During protest, villagers claimed their repeated pleas have gone unheard.
Locals said that while the government often makes tall claims about providing basic amenities, the reality in this remote area is starkly different. “Safe drinking water, which is a basic necessity, is still out of reach for us,” a resident said, adding that the shortage has worsened in recent weeks.
Women, in particular, are bearing the brunt of the crisis. They revealed that they are forced to walk long distances to fetch water from a natural spring located far from the village. “There is always a rush at the spring. Sometimes it even leads to arguments and clashes among people waiting for their turn,” said a local woman.
Several women said they have no option but to fetch water even while fasting. “We have to carry heavy loads of water from far-off places despite observing fasts. It is extremely exhausting and painful,” another woman said.
Residents further alleged that although government officials have visited the village multiple times, no concrete steps have been taken to resolve the issue. “Officials come, inspect, and leave, but nothing changes on the ground,” they said.
They have appealed to the administration to intervene urgently and ensure a reliable supply of drinking water. They warned that if the issue is not addressed promptly, they may be forced to intensify their protests.
