Shopian’s Shadab Karewa residents trek 15 km in snow to fix water pipe

Shopian, Feb 1: Hundreds of residents from Shadab Karewa in south Kashmir’s Shopian district trekked nearly 10 to 15 kilometres through deep snow to reach a damaged water pipeline at Dubjan, after heavy snowfall snapped the main supply line feeding their area.
The pipeline, which runs from Dubjan Bridge to the source area and further towards Mitwani, was damaged during recent snowfall, leaving Shadab Karewa and adjoining areas without drinking water for days.
With no immediate relief in sight, residents themselves undertook the arduous journey on foot, clearing snow-covered paths and navigating treacherous terrain in freezing temperatures in the hope that the water supply could be restored without further delay.
However, residents alleged that their efforts didn’t get the desired results after they discovered that officials of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department who reached the spot with them were not equipped to carry out repairs.
“We walked for hours through heavy snow, opened paths, and reached the damage point, but the PHE employees had no joints, iron cutters, or even basic tools needed for repair,” said a local resident. “This was shocking and deeply disappointing.”
Another resident said the restoration could have completed fully the same day had the department been prepared.
“People did what the department was supposed to do. Despite risking our lives in extreme weather, the water supply could not be restored fully due to sheer negligence,” he said.
They, however, said that partial restoration has taken place, and they are hopeful that it will be fully restored so that locals won’t suffer anymore.
Meanwhile, Executive Engineer PHE Shopian, Ab Rashid, said that the trek to the damaged site was extremely challenging.
“The damaged pipeline is located around 15 kilometres from the nearest habitation and motorable road. Due to the difficult terrain and heavy snowfall, locals accompanied our employees as it was not easy for a few staff members alone to cover such a long distance,” he said.
He added that the department had recently rescued some of its employees who were trapped due to snowfall in the same area.
“Despite the challenges, the water supply has now been restored to both Sedow and Shadab Karewa areas with the support of locals, who were affected after the heavy snowfall,” the Executive Engineer said. (KNO)