Kanjikulla Kulgam residents grapple with drinking water shortage, allege locals
Kulgam: Residents of Kanjikulla village in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district have been struggling with a shortage of safe drinking water for nearly a month after a key spring-fed water supply line was damaged, leaving hundreds of families dependent on alternative sources.
The affected supply line, which carries spring water from Check to Kanjikulla, has traditionally served as the village’s primary source of potable water. According to local residents, the disruption has created significant inconvenience for nearly 250 households, particularly during the ongoing summer season when water demand is at its peak.
Villagers said that while water continues to be supplied through household tap connections, the quality of the available water is unsuitable for drinking purposes. As a result, many families have been forced to arrange drinking water from other sources, adding to their daily hardships.
Residents expressed concern over the prolonged disruption, stating that despite having tap connectivity, access to clean and safe drinking water remains a pressing issue.
They urged the concerned authorities to take swift measures to restore the damaged supply line and ensure uninterrupted access to potable water.
“Water is reaching our homes, but it cannot be used for drinking. We have been facing this problem for several weeks and are finding it difficult to manage our daily needs,” locals said, appealing for immediate intervention by the administration.
The villagers also called upon the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department and district administration to address the issue on priority and prevent further inconvenience to the local population.
Meanwhile, officials from the Jal Shakti Department clarified that the village is currently receiving water through an alternative source under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
Executive Engineer PHE Kulgam, Er. Ishfaq Hamid, said Kanjikulla is served by two separate water supply systems—the spring-fed Check-Kanjikulla line and the recently commissioned JJM scheme sourced from Sanman Nallah.
He explained that the spring line suffered damage during a recent storm, resulting in the disruption of potable water supply. Restoration work is presently underway, with departmental teams and machinery already deployed at the site.
The official maintained that the JJM scheme from Sanman Nallah remains operational and continues to supply water to the village, ensuring that residents are not left completely without water.
Assuring residents that the issue is being addressed, Er. Hamid said the damaged spring line is expected to be repaired and restored shortly. He also advised villagers to report any water-related grievances to local field staff so that necessary action can be taken without delay.
