Srinagar areas hit by severe drinking water crisis

Srinagar, Sep 4: Even as the flood situation continues to keep residents on edge, several areas of Srinagar city are grappling with an acute shortage of drinking water.

A delegation of residents said that from Peer Bagh, Hyderpora, Lal Chowk, Rajbagh, Jawahar Nagar to the old city pockets of downtown, taps have gone dry for the past several days, forcing locals to rely on bottled and tanker-supplied water.

“We have been craving for drinking water from last over a week. It is ironic that authorities are acting as mute spectators on this serious issue,” said a group of residents from Rajbagh.

Locals said that in several uptown localities, there is a water shortage. They said in areas like Rajbagh, the water crisis has taken a toll on them. They said in other areas, the water is muddy and unfit for consumption.

“We have been boiling muddy water for the past many days. It is unsafe, but there is no other option,” said a local from downtown. In Lal Chowk and adjoining commercial areas, traders complained that business was being hit as hotels and shops struggled to manage without a reliable supply.

“How can we carry on our business, especially those who have a food outlet, when you don't have proper supplies?" said a shopkeeper at Lal Chowk.

A senior official at the Jal Shakti Department admitted that the turbidity in Jhelum and other sources has forced them to cut supply and supply in shifts. “We are regulating water in shifts. If we push turbid water into the filtration plants, the entire system will collapse. Chemicals needed to treat the turbidity are on the way, which will help restore normal supply,” the official said.