Emerging water crisis

Several areas are facing drinking water shortage presently. According to reports residents of these areas have demanded adequate and safe drinking water supply to them. They, in this connection, have appealed the concerned authorities to intervene and get their problem solved.

The reports say that a number of areas in Pulwama and Shopian districts are facing water shortage. Similar reports were received from some other areas of the Valley. The concerned department must take immediate steps to provide drinking water to these areas. People in some areas have alleged that they are supplied contaminated water.

Thus they fear breaking out of water borne diseases. The authorities must look into the matter and ensure that the drinking water supplied is safe in every respect. Previously we have seen cases where the drinking water caused health crisis.

Unfortunately the problems around the supply of drinking water are getting aggravated with time. With Kashmir having enormous water resources such problems should not have been here. But the problems exist and are getting complicated day by day. Even during winter several areas had faced the problem of shortage of water.

Understandably, in summers the problem will further compound. The concerned authorities must take all measures to deal with the emerging situation. If solution is not found out early, the water crisis will take a serious turn. The population is increasing, residential areas are spreading all around, but the water resources are shrinking.

That is what makes it a grave situation. There is a need to take care of water bodies and employ them efficiently into water supply network. The water bodies have badly suffered in past due to encroachments and pollution, and that needs to be taken care of now on as an emergency matter.

Also, more effective water supply schemes should be launched wherever needed. Jal Shakti Department is busy providing tap water connection to 100 percent households, and that is a good step. But at the same time steps should be taken to overcome water shortage. And also ensure supplying of safe drinking water to the people.