Inauguration of water supply scheme in Pattan area leaves locals jubilant

Baramulla, Mar 11: The remote village of Jeelpora Bonichakal in the Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district witnessed a historic moment on Monday as the first-ever water supply scheme was inaugurated by officials from the Jal Shakti department.

The long-awaited project, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 554 lakhs, aims to provide clean and accessible drinking water to four villages, namely Bonichakal, Mattipora, and Nowpora.

For the residents of Jeelpora Bonichakal, this day marked the end of a 70-year struggle for access to tap water. The inauguration ceremony was met with massive celebrations, with villagers expressing their joy through firecrackers and jubilation reminiscent of Eid festivities.

Ali Muhammad, a resident of the village, shared his excitement, calling the water supply scheme a "special gift" on the eve of Ramadan. "For the first time in 70 years, the residents of this village will have tap water. There is finally an end to our ordeal, thanks to the LG administration," he expressed with joy.

The scheme, set to benefit approximately 11,000 residents across 1,350 households, addresses a critical issue that has plagued the area since decades.

Prior to the water supply scheme, villagers were forced to fetch water from polluted streams, leading to waterborne diseases and health concerns.

Fayaz Ahmad, local resident, while highlighting the significant impact of the water supply scheme on the residents here said that , "The local residents here were struggling with waterborne diseases. The present dispensation has solved our long-pending demand, which has been a social stigma to us."

The inauguration ceremony was attended by key officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of Jal Jeevan Mission, Shalin Kabra, the Mission Director GN Yatoo, and the Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla.

Their presence highlights the importance of the project in the context of improving the quality of life for the residents of these underserved villages.

The Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti department Baramulla while talking to Greater Kashmir said that it is a great satisfaction for the department that the scheme has been completed. He said although the department was supplying water tankers to the area, it was not enough to meet their demands.

“With the start of the water supply scheme a huge area of Pattan will be benefitted with the tap water and we are committed to supply tap water to all the households of Kashmir,” said Aijaz Ahmad.

The Jeelpora Bonichakal Water Supply Scheme is a measure of hope for the people that have faced decades of water scarcity.