Sopore, Nov 04: Residents of Batpora Sopore on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest against the Jal Shakti Department, accusing officials and the local MLA of ignoring their months-long struggle for drinking water.
Protesters, including women and elderly residents, said they have been suffering from water scarcity for the past six months. “We went to the MLA several times, but he keeps saying he is busy. He had time before elections, but now he has no time for us. Is this what we voted for?” said an angry woman protester.
The residents gathered near Budshah Masjid, chanting slogans against the department and alleging that they were misled by false promises during elections. “We were befooled at the time of elections. We have several grievances, but the main issue is water. Despite repeated complaints, we received only assurances”, said a group of protesters, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Locals said they are forced to depend on unsafe alternative sources for drinking water. “We are buying water and fetching it from other areas, which are not fit for use. The situation has become unbearable”, a resident said.
An official from the Jal Shakti Department Sopore admitted the problem and said the department is working to restore supply soon. “We are aware of the crisis and trying our best to resolve it at the earliest”, the concerned Junior Engineer said.
Earlier on Friday, similar protests were witnessed in Nowpora and Model Town areas, with residents demanding an immediate solution to the worsening water crisis—(KNO)
