15 years on, water supply scheme remains incomplete in Sheikhara Pulwama
Locals cry foul, say the village has been pushed into a prolonged crisis
Pulwama: Even after the passage of nearly 15 years, a crucial drinking water supply scheme meant for Sheikhara village in Pulwama district continues to remain incomplete, leaving hundreds of residents grappling with acute water scarcity and serious health concerns.
Locals allege that while nearly 90 percent of the work on the scheme was completed long ago, the remaining portion has been inexplicably left pending, pushing the village into a prolonged crisis.
Residents said the scheme, once commissioned, was expected to ensure safe and regular drinking water for the entire area.
However, due to official apathy and unexplained delays, the project has failed to see completion, forcing villagers to depend on an alternative water supply scheme from a neighbouring village.
“The water we are getting now is not only irregular but also contaminated. Sometimes we receive water after weeks together, and when it does come, it is unsafe for drinking,” said a local resident.
“Children and elderly people are falling sick frequently, but no one seems to be listening to our plight,” he added.
Another resident expressed anguish over the prolonged delay, saying the village has repeatedly approached concerned departments and public representatives. “For years, we have been knocking on the doors of every authority—PHE officials, district administration, and even higher-ups—but our complaints have fallen on deaf ears. It is painful that a scheme which is almost complete is being allowed to rot,” he said.
Women residents, who bear the brunt of the crisis, said they are forced to fetch water from distant sources or store unsafe water for days. “Managing household chores without water has become a daily struggle. We fear using the supplied water because it smells foul and looks unclean,” said a local woman, adding that waterborne diseases have become common in the area.
The residents have now appealed to higher authorities to personally intervene and ensure the immediate completion and commissioning of the long-pending scheme.
They warned that if the issue is not resolved soon, they may be forced to take to the streets in protest.
Meanwhile, MLA Rajpora, Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir, acknowledging the issue, assured the residents that the matter would be taken up on priority.
“I am aware of the problem being faced by the people of Sheikhara. I will personally look into the reasons behind the delay and ensure that the remaining work is resumed at the earliest. The water supply scheme will be commissioned soon so that people get safe drinking water,” the MLA said.
