In Pulwama’s Achagoze, taps run muddy as villagers raise health concerns

Pulwama, Mar 19: Residents of Achagoze village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district are grappling with unsafe drinking water, with muddy and untreated supply from local sources raising fears of disease outbreaks.

Households in the village, home to around 400 families, say water supplied through taps is often contaminated, particularly during rainy spells, making it unfit even for basic use.

“We are supplied water directly from Nullah Romshi. It is in no way fit for drinking,” said Farooq Ahmad, Sarpanch of the village.

Residents said the problem intensifies during rainfall, when muddy water flows through taps. “During the rains, the water becomes even dirtier. Sometimes it is so muddy that we cannot even use it for washing utensils, let alone drinking,” Ahmad said.

Villagers said they are forced to rely on makeshift methods such as filtering water through cloth or allowing it to settle before use. However, these measures have proven insufficient to ensure safety.

The village has witnessed multiple instances of water-borne diseases, including jaundice, over the years. Residents fear that continued consumption of contaminated water could trigger fresh outbreaks, particularly among children and the elderly.

“We have approached officials umpteen times, but nothing has changed. We are still forced to consume contaminated water,” said another resident.

Locals allege that the supply lacks proper filtration and treatment infrastructure, despite repeated representations to authorities.

They have urged the administration to install a proper filtration system and ensure access to safe drinking water, warning that continued inaction could have serious public health implications.

Residents said access to clean drinking water remains a basic necessity they have long been deprived of, and expressed hope that authorities will intervene to address the issue.