Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Jul 23: After more than 12 years, the water filtration plant of Gassal area of Chattergul in Ganderbal is lying pending with the result that people living in the area are facing immense hardships.
Expressing resentment against the Jal Shakti Department for failing to complete the work of the water filtration plant, residents said that they are facing difficulties due to lack of potable drinking water.
As per details available, the project was sanctioned way back in 2010 following which work was started and the funds were also allocated, however, despite so much time that has passed the work on the water filtration plant remains incomplete.
The project once completed is going to cater to the needs of the people living in the areas and would benefit around 1300 households in seven villages “But due to the callous approach of the authorities, the people continue to suffer,” the Sarpanch said.
The details said that the water filtration plant was supposed to be constructed at a cost of Rs 18 crore.
In addition to it, crores of rupees were already spent on the water filtration plant while the rest of the work has not been taken up so far. The project includes the construction of a filtration plant and the laying of pipes to the villages.
“In the absence of clean drinking water in the areas, people are forced to consume contaminated water from a stream flowing nearby, and there are chances of disease outbreak in the villages,” locals said.
They alleged the contractor used sub standard material during construction of the water filtration plant that is why the department has not used a tank for filtration.
An official of Jal Shakti department Ganderbal assured that work will start soon.
Locals appealed to higher authorities to look into the matter.
