Public water purifiers for installation in Shopian gathering dust

Shopian , May 18: Water, water everywhere not a drop to drink. That’s the reality in Shopian’s bustling markets, where despite repeated promises, not a single public water purifier has been installed. As summer sets in, thirsty shoppers, weary vendors and other visitors are forced to turn to costly bottled mineral water, buying what was meant to be freely available. Although the Municipal Council Shopian ( MCS) procured multiple water purifiers months ago, none have been installed yet.

Mitha Gatoo, a prominent social activist from the area told Greater Kashmir that the MCS procured 14 water purifiers, but they were gathering dust inside their office.

“The purifiers were meant to be installed at key locations across the town. Water connections were even set up at some points, but despite that, they were never installed,” Gatoo said.

He said in the absence of such facilities, customers and other visitors had to rely on bottled water to quench their thirst amid sweltering summer heat. “It is not possible for every visitor to buy packaged water”, said Gatoo.

According to him, lakhs of rupees were spent on purchasing purifiers, but to no avail. The district is naturally blessed with pure water resources with numerous streams gurgling through the heart of the town. Yet, despite this abundance, visitors face a shortage of safe drinking water in public spaces.

Assadullah, In charge Secretary  MCS, told Greater Kashmir that they had written to the R&B Department for the estimate of construction of basements for the water purifiers. “Once we receive the estimate and administrative approval from the competent authority, we will begin constructing the basement and install the purifiers’’, he said.

The official added that the issue was raised in a recent meeting with the Deputy Commissioner. “We received clear directions from the Deputy Commissioner to expedite the installation of water purifiers,” he said.