The Gagran locality in Shopian, Kashmir, witnessed a protest by residents due to the sudden water shortage that has persisted for the last 10 days. Scores of residents, including women, took to the streets and blocked the Shopian-Kulgam road to express their frustration over the inadequate drinking water supply provided by the Jal Shakti Department.
A woman protester highlighted the severity of the water scarcity issue and pointed out that despite their attempts to bring the matter to the department’s attention, no effective measures were taken to restore the water supply. This forced them to resort to a protest to make their grievances heard.
The demonstrators chanted slogans against the Jal Shakti Department, expressing their dissatisfaction with the lack of action on their concerns. The residents revealed that they had been facing challenges related to water supply for the past seven years, with little response from officials.
Executive Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, Abdul Rashid, acknowledged the water supply disruption and shared that the supply had been restored after a period of shortage. He explained that the water shortage was a result of orchardists cutting off the main water source to irrigate their fields, affecting the overall water supply.
The protest sheds light on the critical issue of water scarcity in the region and the challenges faced by residents in accessing clean and adequate drinking water. The Jal Shakti Department’s response to these concerns will be crucial in addressing the long-standing problem and ensuring a reliable water supply for the affected area.
