Tasaduq Hussain
Kupwara, Dec 19: Residents of Gazriyal, a village nestled in the hilly terrains of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, are grappling with severe water scarcity for nearly a year. With approximately 3500 inhabitants relying on a specific water scheme for potable water, the residents say they are facing a dire situation.
The residents said they face numerous challenges in the absence of water supply for almost a year. They said the women of the village are compelled to fetch water from springs, wells and other distant sources, and the task becomes even more daunting in the bone-chilling cold.
According to locals, the Drangyari-Gazriyal scheme was inaugurated by Mission Director Jal Shakti Department, Chief Engineer, Executive Engineer, SE and other officials three years ago.
The officials assured us that the work would be completed on time and all the sufferings of the villagers would come to an end, they said. Although the work was nearing completion, the scheme was left unfinished, subjecting the entire population to ongoing hardship since March of this year.
Mohammad Akbar, a Block Development Councillor, said the scheme is almost complete, with only 5 to 6 percent left to be finished for full functionality.
Acknowledging past challenges with NoCs, Akbar said some have been cleared, and the remaining issues are expected to be resolved within the next 5 to 6 days. He expressed hope that the scheme would be operational within the next 8 to 10 days, which will provide the residents with the much-needed relief they deserve.
“As soon as the NoCs are cleared, the entire scheme shall be made operational for the good of the people,” Akbar said. “We are committed to early resolution and improved access to clean water for Gazriyal’s residents.”
