Ratnipora Pulwama residents demand potable water
Pulwama: The residents of Ratnipora area in south Kashmir’s Pulwama are facing an acute shortage of safe drinking water, with locals alleging prolonged neglect despite the construction of a water supply scheme in the area.
The locality, comprising nearly 250 households, has been grappling with water scarcity for several years. Ironically, residents say that even after the completion of a water supply scheme by the Jal Shakti Department, the people of Channwari a locality in Ratnipora continue to remain deprived of potable water.
Locals allege that while the scheme was meant to provide clean drinking water to Ratnipora and adjoining areas, their locality—despite contributing land for the project—has been left out.
“It is unfortunate that the very area which provided land for the scheme is still struggling for water, while distant areas are benefiting from it,” the residents said.
The situation becomes particularly challenging during the holy month of Ramadan. A local resident, Sameer Ahmad, said that water scarcity intensifies during Sehri and Iftar hours, forcing people to rely on unsafe and unclean water sources.
“The lack of potable water during such crucial times poses serious health risks,” he added.
Another resident, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat expressed disappointment over what he termed as “unfulfilled promises” by the department. He said that authorities had assured residents of clean and regular tap water supply, but even after the scheme became operational, people in Channwari are still waiting for those assurances to materialize.
Residents have termed the situation as a grave injustice and have urged the authorities to take immediate steps to ensure equitable water distribution.
They have appealed to the concerned department to address the issue on priority, especially in view of the upcoming Ramadan, to prevent further hardship to the local population.
