Sopore residents allege potable water shortage for many years now
Seek urgent attention from authorities
Sopore: The residents of Hanfiya Colony in Arampora area of Sopore are reeling under an acute drinking water crisis that, according to locals has persisted for the past four years without any permanent resolution. The prolonged shortage has severely disrupted daily life, pushing families into continuous distress and uncertainty.
Locals said that despite being a populated residential area, Hanfiya Colony has been deprived of a regular and adequate water supply. Many households are forced to fetch water from far-off areas or rely on private water tankers which add to their financial burden.
Women, elderly persons and children are said to be the worst affected, as they struggle daily to arrange sufficient water for drinking, cooking, washing, and other essential household needs, the residents alleged.
The crisis has assumed alarming proportions during the ongoing holy month of Ramadhan, they added.
Residents said that water consumption increases significantly during this sacred month due to Sehri and Iftar preparations, frequent ablutions (wudu), and maintaining cleanliness.
“Ramadhan is a month of prayers and devotion, but we are spending most of our time arranging water. It is mentally and physically exhausting,” said a local resident.
Adding to the concerns, the local mosque in the colony is also reportedly functioning without a reliable water supply. Worshippers are facing immense inconvenience in performing ablutions before offering prayers, particularly during Taraweeh and other congregational prayers.
The residents termed the situation “deeply unfortunate” and said that access to basic amenities like water should not remain a distant dream in this day and age.
The locals have squarely blamed the Jal Shakti Department for what they described as “continuous negligence and apathy.”
They claimed that multiple representations, verbal requests, and written complaints have been submitted to the concerned officials over the years, but no lasting solution has been implemented.
“Officials come, inspect, and assure us of action, but nothing changes on the ground,” another resident alleged.
Residents fear that if the issue is not addressed promptly, it may lead to serious health and sanitation concerns, especially with the approaching summer season when water demand is expected to rise further.
The people of Hanfiya Colony have now made a fervent appeal to the higher authorities of the Jal Shakti Department and district administration to personally intervene and ensure immediate restoration of a proper water supply system in the area. They have demanded a sustainable and long-term solution to end their prolonged suffering and restore normalcy to the locality at the earliest.
