Budgam, April 7, KNT: Residents of Gandipora village in Tehsil Beerwah of central Kashmir’s Budgam district have raised concerns over the continued supply of contaminated drinking water, saying the issue has persisted for several years and is affecting public health.
The matter came to the fore on Tuesday when locals presented bottles filled with polluted water to highlight the severity of the situation.
Residents said the consumption of unsafe water has led to a rise in health issues, particularly among children. “Our children are falling sick due to this contaminated water. We are suffering badly, but the concerned department has failed to take any concrete action,” a local resident said.
The complaints come despite residents having formal water connections and regularly paying bills, with locals alleging that they are still being supplied unsafe drinking water.
Several families said they have been forced to purchase clean drinking water from the market, adding to their financial burden.
Qayoom Khan, a local social activist, questioned the claims made by authorities and elected representatives, saying the situation on the ground reflects neglect. “Whether it is the government or the MLA, their claims do not match the situation here. Our entire area is suffering due to contaminated water,” he said.
Residents demanded that the water filtration plant established during 2021–2022 at Chakpora in Beerwah be made fully functional without further delay, saying it was constructed at a cost of crores of rupees and could address the crisis if operational.
They urged the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to ensure the supply of safe drinking water and prevent further health risks in the area. [KNT]
