Filtration plant in Pulwama goes defunct
Villagers say they are receiving contaminated water since 12 years
Pulwama: The filtration plant in Ukhoo village of Kakapora belt of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district has been out of order for the last 12 years, forcing the locals to consume contaminated water.
Locals said that a water supply scheme as well as a water filtration plant was set up by the Jal Shakti Department in the village during 2006.
“The plant was inaugurated by the then MLA Pampore Zahoor Ahmed Mir. However, the filtration plant has been out of order for the last 12 years, forcing the people to consume contaminated water,” Ali Mohammad Dar, a local resident said.
He said that they have protested in this regard several times but to no avail as the department has failed to re-start the filtration plant.
Locals added that people of the area are drinking contaminated water since last 12 years due to which they often fall ill.
“We have raised this issue nd brought it to the notice of concerned higher ups several times but so far nothing has been done,” Zaina Begum, a local Sarpanch said.
She said that the use of contaminated water could lead to the spread of diseases in his area.
Locals requested concerned authorities to look into the matter at an earliest and make the filtration plant workable so that locals can heave a sigh of relief.
When contacted, Executive Engineer Jal Shakti department, Fareed Ahmad said that during 2014 floods the plant suffered severe damage and could not be restored.
He said that now work has been started for repairing of the same and it will be completed by June this year.
Jahangeer Ganaie
