Several villages in Qazigund grapple with acute drinking water crisis

Qazigund, May 31: Nearly half a dozen villages in south Kashmir’s Qazigund area have been facing an acute drinking water crisis for the past two years, forcing residents to rely on contaminated water from streams and rivers amid growing fears of water-borne diseases.

Residents from YK Pora, Baghpora, Lonepora, Chek-e-Muswani and adjoining villages said the lack of access to safe drinking water has become a major public health concern. They alleged that despite repeated representations to the authorities, the problem remains unresolved. “Last year, many children in our village fell ill after an outbreak of jaundice,” said Zakir Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of YK Pora. “Doctors told us that contaminated drinking water was one of the reasons behind the spread of the disease. We fear a similar situation this year.”

He said most households have no option but to fetch water from nearby streams, which are often polluted and unsafe for consumption. “The threat of water-borne diseases is looming large over the entire area. People are worried, especially during the summer months when water demand increases,” Sheikh said.

According to residents, groundwater levels in the area have declined significantly over the years, causing several tube wells to dry up.

“Earlier, we used to get water from tube wells, but now many of them have stopped functioning due to depletion of groundwater. Women and elderly people have to walk long distances to fetch water,” said Ghulam Rasool, another resident. The residents said an overhead water tank was constructed in the area about a year ago and pipelines were laid under a drinking water scheme. However, water connections have not been provided and the project remains incomplete. “We are unable to understand why the work was abandoned midway. The infrastructure is there, but water is not reaching our homes,” Rasool said. Many residents alleged that the delay has caused immense hardship, particularly for children, women and elderly people. “We spend a significant part of our day arranging water. It affects our routine, education of children and overall quality of life,” said another resident.

The villagers urged the authorities to complete the pending work and ensure a regular supply of safe drinking water before the onset of peak summer. An official of the concerned department, requesting anonymity, said the matter would be looked into. “We will examine the issue and take appropriate steps to address the concerns raised by the residents,” the official said.