Gonipora residents block Handwara–Vilgam road over water shortage

Kupwara, Dec 6: Residents of Gonipora in Handwara on Saturday blocked the Handwara–Vilgam road near Talri Bridge, protesting against what they said was a persistent drinking water shortage that has continued for over a year.

Traffic movement remained disrupted as men and women from the area gathered on the road, raising slogans against the Jal Shakti Department for failing to restore regular water supply.

Protesters said that despite repeated appeals, the department had taken no substantial steps to address the issue. “We protested last October as well, but even after one year our taps are dry. We are forced to fetch water from far-off places. Authorities have done nothing,” said one of the women demonstrators.

Following the agitation, MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed, Tehsildar Handwara Zeeshan Khan, SHO Vilayat Sofi and officials from the Jal Shakti Department reached the spot to pacify the crowd and listen to grievances.

MLA Khursheed assured residents that water tankers would be provided regularly until a permanent solution is in place. He said work on a new water supply scheme for Gonipora is underway and is expected to be completed within three months.

Residents, however, said assurances have come before, but ground reality remains unchanged. They warned of intensified protests if the issue continues to linger.