Water dispute between Pulwama and Budgam leaves taps in multiple villages dry

Srinagar, Jan 6: Several areas of the Budgam district in central Kashmir are at the receiving end of a severe water crisis forcing residents to hit the streets, demanding restoration of potable water supply.

The affected areas including Nagabul, Charar Sharif, Pakharpora, Kanna Dujan, Darwan, and other rural areas, are facing acute water shortages, leaving people struggling for even a few drops of potable water.

The crisis has increased difficulties for local residents, who accuse elected representatives of being indifferent to their plight. “In these trying times, public representatives have become silent spectators instead of addressing the problems faced by the people,” said a protester in Pakharpora.

Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department in Charar Sharif said that the crisis stems from ‘vandalism’ at water supply headworks in the district.

According to the official, residents from parts of Pulwama district damaged the headworks that supply water to over 50 villages in Budgam, including Charar Sharif, Pakharpora, Nagabul, Kanna Dujan, Zalosa, and other villages.

“Our teams have tried to restore the water supply multiple times, but each time we are met with resistance from the locals of these areas, who obstruct the restoration work,” the AEE claimed.

On the other hand, residents from Sangrawani and Abhama villages in Pulwama argue that the water source in question belongs to their district, and they will not allow it to be diverted to Budgam. “This is our primary water source, and we have every right to it,” said a resident of Sangrawani.

The lack of intervention from the PHE department in Pulwama has further complicated the issue. Local residents of Pulwama have taken matters into their own hands, exacerbating tensions between the two districts.

The crisis has left thousands of people in Budgam without access to clean water, with no immediate solution in sight. Protesters have demanded swift action from the administration, urging both district authorities and the PHE Department to resolve the dispute and restore the water supply to the affected areas. ( With KNT inputs)