Thousands affected due to water scarcity in 3 Rajouri villages

Rajouri, Feb 10: Thousands of people living in three different villages near Rajouri town have been affected due to drinking water scarcity for last two weeks.

Reports said that the lone water supply scheme of the area is not functioning as the pumping machine at the water pumping station has developed some snag.

The affected villages are Thandikassi, Mankote and Sadhyal, located just three kms from Rajouri town.

The villages are densely populated and have various public places also that include Rajouri Park and Mankote Garden, ancient Shiv Parivar Cave where hundreds of people visit daily.

People from these areas said that they are dependent either on natural water sources or on water supply scheme of Jal Shakti department as there are no water hand pumps on personal levels.

"For last more than two weeks, the lone lift water supply scheme of the area is lying closed due to some snag and entire population of three villages and two panchayats is dependent on natural water sources," said Mohammad Sadeeq of the area.

He said that people are left with no second option than to walk for several kilometres to fetch the water.

Former Sarpanch Yougesh Sharma while referring to the plight of people said, “Three new water supply schemes are coming up in this area under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) but their work is in process and it will take a few more months for these schemes to get completed."

Sharma further informed that presently a water supply scheme is catering the water supply needs of entire area and is not adequate to cope up with water related needs.

On being contacted, Assistant Executive Engineer of Jal Shakti Department (Mechanical), Gorav Sharma told that pump equipment of water pumping mechanism is out of order that has affected the water supply.

"The snagged part has been repaired in Jammu and shall soon be brought back and will be put to use," said the engineer. He informed that water supply scheme will be restored in couple of days.