Drinking water shortage hits Uri village

Uri, Sep 19: Residents of Garkote village of Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have complained about an acute shortage of drinking water for the past few weeks.

A delegation of locals expressed their helplessness due to the lack of potable water supply.

“Either the water supply is very low, or our taps are running dry. There is a severe water crisis in our village,” said Reyaz Ahmad, a local resident.

He said that the water pipeline has not been replaced for over fourty years. “They are rusted and in poor condition, which has blocked the free flow of water supply,” he added.

Faizan Ahmad Khawaja, another resident, mentioned that although the Jal Shakti Department in Uri has installed a few new pipes, many works are still pending.

“The contractor has left the work incomplete, affecting water supply in areas like Bungam and Bilalabad,” he claimed.

Locals also alleged that Jal Shakti Department employees rarely visit the village for inspections to ensure smooth water supply. “They don’t carry out regular maintenance,” they said.

The aggrieved residents have demanded an immediate restoration of potable water supply.

They have appealed to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla and Chief Engineer Jal Shakti Department Kashmir to address this issue on priority.

However, Irfan Ahmad Dar, Executive Engineer Jal Shakti Department Uri said that he will look into the matter.