Water crisis trigger protests across north Kashmir

Srinagar, Jun 23: Amid the relentless summer heat, the residents of multiple areas across north Kashmir including Sopore, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts, staged protests on Monday against the acute water shortage, accusing the administration of negligence and broken promises.
The protests erupted in Khanpora Baramulla, Watlab Sopore, Ghaziriyal Kupwara and Chogul Handwara, with the residents claiming that they have been suffering without drinking water for months despite repeated assurances from the authorities.
In Khanpora locality of Baramulla, dozens of residents took to the streets, accusing the Jal Shakti Department of abandoning their responsibilities.
“We have been suffering for the past several months. Every time we raise our voice, the officials come, promise and disappear,” protesters said, adding the department is busy playing a blame game. “Nothing is being done on the ground.”
A similar protest was held in Sangri Watlab area of Sopore, where residents highlighted the irony of living next to Asia’s largest freshwater lake, Wular, yet facing an acute water crisis. “We were told a new water supply scheme would be functional within three months, but it’s been almost a year and a half, but we are still waiting,” said Bashir Ahmed, a resident.
“What adds salt to our wounds is that we are not even allowed to fetch water from the spring that supplies nearby towns. Instead, we are asked to pay Rs 2,000 for a tanker,” another protest said.
In Ghaziriyal village of Kupwara, aggrieved residents blocked roads and chanted slogans against the Jal Shakti Department. “We have been informing them again and again, but no one listens”, residents said, adding they are currently collecting water from far-off sources just to survive.
A protest was also reported in Chogul Handwara, where locals accused officials of complete apathy. “It’s summer. Temperatures are rising and there’s no drinking water. Is this what ‘development’ looks like?” the protesting residents said.
Protestors in Kupwara district also criticized political representatives for what they called “seasonal visibility”. “They come during elections, promise the moon and once they win, they disappear. Our basic needs don’t matter to them,” they added.
Residents from all affected areas appealed to Jal Shakti authorities for immediate intervention to restore and streamline water supply before the situation worsens further. (KNO)