Anantnag Correspondent
Srinagar June 23 (KINS): Three years on, authorities have failed to complete two water supply schemes at Kamad in Anantnag district forcing people to consume water from contaminated sources.
Three years ago, authorities had allotted two water supply schemes which could have provided potable water to resident of Dawoodpora, Tilwanipora, Anichek of Kamad Anantnag district.
However, authorities have hardly made any progress in completion of these schemes resulting residents are forced to consume water from contaminated sources.
In reply to an RTI, Executive Engineer PHE division Bjbehara said, the newly constructed OHT at Ugjan Teng for WSS Anichek is allotted for an amount of Rs 85.60 lakhss dated 19/11/2019. The expenditure made as on date against the work is Rs 30,000, the RTI says.
“No expenditure has been made on the old water supply scheme Kamad at Ugjanteng from last five years. The actual scheme name is WSS Dawoodpora Tilwanipora Kamad. The estimated cost of the scheme is 370 lacks,” the RTI reads, a copy of which lies with news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
Ashfaq Ahmad, a local told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that around 10,000 people from Kamad and its adjoining areas are facing water shortage. “We have to fetch contaminated water from Nallahs,” he said.
Another resident Firdous Ahmad said they have apprised concerned officials several times about shortage of water but to no avail. “Our women have to fetch water from Nallah which we later consume. We are forced to consume untreated water from ponds and Nallah which has led to several diseases to the locals,” he said.
The PHE Department had in 1982 constructed an Over Head Tank (OHT) at Ugjen Teng in Kamad area. The scheme was supposed to cater to water supply needs of half a dozen villages including Kamad, Chichripora, Laalan, Nawathoo, Papaibal and Chek Kamad.
The scheme however was a failure and despite spending crores of rupees in repeated maintenance of the pipes and the OHT.
According sources, locals have demanded a vigilance enquiry into the mindless money spending in the name of these water supply schemes.
Executive Engineer of the PHE Bijbehara Division, Muhammad Haneef admitted people were facing shortage of water at Kamad.
“We are also raising this issue with DC Sahab to provide us a piece of land for OHT. We are also laying pipes in villages. We hope the water shortage issue will be solved very soon,” he told news agency KINS. (KINS)
3 yrs on, Govt fails to complete water supply schemes
Residents of Kamad Anantnag force to consume contaminated water
