Severe water shortage triggers protest in Amberpora Sopore

Sopore, Dec 13: A severe and prolonged shortage of drinking water in the Amberpora Tarzoo area of Sopore on Saturday triggered public resentment, forcing residents, mostly women, to take to the streets in protest and demand immediate restoration of the potable water supply. The protesters blocked the main road at Amberpora for some time, leading to a temporary disruption of traffic movement in the area.

The agitating residents said they have been facing acute water scarcity for several months, a situation that has worsened with the onset of the harsh winter. Women protesters said the lack of a regular water supply has made daily life extremely difficult, particularly in freezing temperatures. “Managing household chores without water in this cold weather has become unbearable,” one of the protesters said.

Locals accused the concerned authorities of apathy, alleging that repeated complaints to the Jal Shakti Department have yielded no results. They said that despite approaching officials several times, no effective measures have been taken to resolve the long-pending issue.

The residents warned that if the problem is not addressed immediately, they would be compelled to intensify their agitation in the coming days.

They appealed to the Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla and senior officials of the Jal Shakti Department to intervene personally and ensure the prompt restoration of the water supply.

The protest later dispersed peacefully after officials assured the residents that their grievances would be looked into and necessary steps would be taken to provide relief.