Open deep well at Panchpora can prove a disaster, say locals
Anantnag: Residents of Panchpora Anantnag in south Kashmir on Tuesday staged a protest demanding construction of a boundary wall to cover a deep dug well that has been left abandoned.
“The deep well was dug three decades back and was left unattended by the authorities,” Abdul Hamid, a local resident said.
He said that 30 years back a well was dug by the Geology and Mining department for purpose of providing drinking water to the area, however, on testing the water it was found contaminated and not fit for human consumption.
“As they found water contaminated, it was left unattended and since then this well has became a death trap for the local residents and cattle,” another resident said.
He said that the well is very close to main road and two schools due to which it can prove very dangerous anytime.
“We have brought this issue into the notice of authorities several times but nothing has been done to redress our grievance,” Gulzar Ahmad, another local resident said.
“Had authorities closed or constructed a protection to conceal the well, the tragedy that happened on Monday could have been averted,” he added.
Pertinently a 4 year old boy died after he drowned in the same well on Monday while he was playing near the road.
Locals said that they contacted the higher ups even today but nothing seems to be working.
They said that action must be taken against the Geology and Mining department, water shed management and RDD department for failing to construct protection wall around the well since the last 30 years.
Meanwhile BDO Bijbehara, Talat Ahmad, when contacted said that he has taken up the issue of protection wall with the Director RDD.
He said that our team visited the spot on Tuesday and something will be worked out to rid the residents of the scare they face.
Jahangeer Ganaie
