KINS DESK
Jammu, Jan 03 (KINS): Residents of Sujma Green Valley in Jammu have expressed their growing frustration over persistent water shortages and unscheduled power cuts, urging Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Jal Shakti Minister to take immediate action.
The residents reported that they have been without water for the last five days. “Last Sunday, water was provided for a limited time, but since then, we’ve been completely deprived of supply,” Farooq Ahmad, a local resident, informed news gathering agency KINS.
“When water does come, it’s only for 20 to 40 minutes. How can we manage with such limited supply?” added another resident.
Despite the Jal Shakti department’s water distribution schedule, residents claim their area is frequently overlooked. “Other areas receive water on alternate days, but we’re left without supply for extended periods,” said Naseer Ahmad.
For many families, the alternative has been to purchase private water tankers, which are prohibitively expensive for lower-income households. “The cost of water tankers is unbearable for poor families,” said Shabir Ahmad, another resident. “It feels like there are some people exploiting our misery.”
Past efforts to address the crisis have yielded only temporary relief. Following a complaint to the Chief Minister’s office, a short-term solution was provided, but the problem soon resurfaced.
“They gave us water for a few days to quiet us down, but nothing has changed,” said Fatima Bano.
In addition to water shortages, the residents are also enduring frequent and prolonged power outages during the cold winter months.
“The power cuts here are often,” said Mohammad Yaqoob.
Housewives like Shazia, living near Umar Masjid Green Valley, shared similar concerns. “Power was stable until December 25, but since then, outages have become frequent. It’s difficult to finish daily chores with power only available for short intervals,” she said.
While Jal Shakti department officials were unavailable for comment, the Power Department acknowledged the electricity crisis in this particular area.
Officials attributed the outages to technical faults and system overload caused by the unauthorized use of crude heating devices.
“Residents using unauthorized gadgets overload the system, leading to outages,” explained a Power Department official. “We are conducting checks and taking necessary steps to address the issue.”
Despite assurances, residents remain skeptical. “We’ve waited long enough. Water and electricity are basic necessities, not luxuries,” said a frustrated Bilal Hussain.
Residents hope their appeals to the Chief Minister and Jal Shakti Minister will lead to lasting solutions. (KINS)
