Batamaloo residents stage protest against drinking water shortage

Srinagar, July 19: Scores of residents from Batamaloo areas here staged protest, decrying prolonged drinking water shortage in the locality amid scorching temperatures.

The residents of Dyarwani and adjoining areas of Batamaloo said that amid scorching heat, they are facing an acute water shortage.

The protestors, including women, assembled on the main road and blocked it to protest against the failure of authorities to resolve the water crisis. The locals said that despite paying water bills, they are craving for a drop of drinking water.

“This is not about one area, but the whole Batamaloo area is hit by a major water crisis. On a daily basis, the water scarcity is getting worse as the authorities look the other way,” said a female protestor.

The aggrieved said that multiple areas of Batamaloo, including Dyarwani, are continuously suffering. They said that amid the water crisis, they are unable to carry out their daily home chores.

“As authorities are talking about Smart City makeover, we are not getting basic facilities here. We have to fetch water using private vehicles amid scorching heat. We are paying water bills for nothing. If authorities cannot provide us water, they should say the same and not charge us unnecessarily,” said another protestor.

The protesting residents said that the area's water infrastructure is not adequate, so they face the brunt. They said they have to rely on water tankers and fetch water in buckets on a daily basis.

“When the whole area is in crisis, what will these water tankers do? Authorities should fix the system and ensure that the problem is solved once and for all,” said another local.

Greater Kashmir did multiple stories on the water crisis in the area. Officials said that they would address the issue. However, locals said that they have been holding multiple protests for months now, but authorities are not paying heed to their grievances. They appealed to the LG administration to intervene and address the issue.