Jal Shakti dept fails to procure fresh water tankers in past 5 years

Srinagar, Aug 22: While several areas in Kashmir are reeling under inadequate water supply, Jal Shakti department has not purchased any water Tankers in the past five years.
The information was revealed by the Public Information Officer (PIO) in a reply to RTI application filed by activist M M Shuja.
On inquiring about the details of water Tankers purchased by Jal-Shakti, the PIO has informed that during the years from 2019-23 it had not purchased any water tankers.
Pertinently, in July several areas in Kashmir have complained of water shortages and were demanding for the water tankers till the fulfillment of the water supplies.
In the meantime, PIO while replying to queries regarding the total amount outstanding as water Tax as on March-31-2024 from government departments, police and the details of steps taken by Jal-Shakti to recover outstanding dues said, “Rs 0.71 Crore is outstanding as water Tax as on 31-03-2024.”
“Teams have been constituted for public awareness using Public Address System and door to door visits for payment of water usages charges,” it reads.
The PIO further said that the notices have been issued to those commercial and government offices who have huge outstanding arrears.
“Bills have been delivered to all consumers at their door steps, besides appeals have been issued to public through electronic print media,” reads the RTI reply.