Bandipora orchardist seeks compensation for damage due to water leakage

Bandipora, Dec 19: Abdul Qayoom Chopan, 70, an elderly and impoverished orchardist from the north Kashmir village of Bonni Ban in Athwatoo, has been seeking compensation from the authorities.

The reason is the damage caused by the alleged "negligence" of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) or Jal Shakti department.

Chopan said the department's improper pipe laying "wreaked havoc" on his orchard, resulting in the collapse of a five-foot retaining wall and the uprooting of several trees.

He said no one from the department "bothered to address the leakage" even after he reported it.

"Some time ago PHE contractors began laying water pipes to supply water to the nearby habitation," Chopan said.

He said he was concerned as some of the underground work was happening near his orchard.

"I requested the contractors to lay the pipes underground properly, but to my disappointment, the pipes were not properly installed and on the 8th of this month, the pipes began leaking."

Chopan said he tried to approach the concerned officials in and around his village but no one helped him.

He then went to the police, where he was assisted by some workers who fixed the leak. "But till then the damage had been done," he added.

The villagers said they welcomed the development and potable water supply to far-off habitations, but "not at the cost of anyone's livelihood."

They accused the department of not doing the work perfectly and stated that the water pipes that pass through the orchards often develop leaks.

Chopan now appeals to the department for compensation and requests the authorities to look into the matter and instruct the contractors to do work properly.