Drinking water shortage hits Srinagar areas

Srinagar, Oct 12: Inhabitants of various areas of the city faced inconvenience due to acute shortage of drinking water.

Residents of various areas including Habba Kadal, Abi Guzar, Buchwara, Dalgate, Nehru Park and its adjoining areas are grappling with acute water shortage. Inhabitants of Habba Kadal staged protests and even blocked road to register their protest against failure of authorities to ensure regular water supply.

“We are craving for a drop of water,” the protestors said.

Residents of Abi Guzar also staged massive protests. Scores of residents including women blocked the road at the main market and staged demonstrations. “We have been facing an acute shortage of drinking water from last two weeks. The problem started after authorities dug up roads and laid underground electricity wires. We are forced to fetch water in containers from other areas,” they said.

The residents said water pipelines have been damaged at various spots. “Drain water enters water pipelines and we get contaminated water to drinking. We urge PHE authorities to look into the issue,” Sajad Ahmad, a resident said.

Executive Engineer PHE Division Srinagar Anbreena Anjum acknowledged that several areas are facing water shortage due to the depletion of water level at Harwan reservoir.

“We are severe water shortage due to low discharge from Dachigam Nallah which is our main water source. Discharge has reduced to a very large extent. There is just discharge of 30 cusecs which is very low,” Anjum told Greater Kashmir.

“There was also a fault at pumping units at Dal Lake. We have repaired the pumps and five out of six are functioning this time. We have installed additional pumping units at Harwan reservoir to augment water supply to water treatment plants. We regret the inconvenience to people and make a fervent appeal to them to make judicious use of water. We are making efforts to fully restore water supply soon,” she added.