Local officer plays spoilsport to deny Muqam-e-Shahwali potable water, put people to hardships

They urge higher authorities to intervene, ensure water supply

Srinagar, Dec 24 : When Commissioner secretary PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Department ordered the laying of pipes for potable water in Muqam-e-Shahwali last month, the joy of its residents knew no bounds.

The department officials did move and laid the pipes but came to the twist. A local officer of AEE rank allegedly played spoilsport and according to the locals, the officer has been delaying the repair of the main pipes so that the people get potable water.

“All that the department requires is to remove the obstruction in the main supply line or repair it so that we get the water but it’s not being done and there is no reason why such is not being done despite clear-cut instructions by the higher officers,” the locals said.

This, the locals said, is being done by the local AEE to “settle some mohalla issues”.

“Some households have been provided connection from a working water pipe while other villagers are denied it for the reasons known to the officer,” the local said, adding, “This is tragic that instead of providing relief to us, the officer is using official position to keep us in hardship for pity non-existent issue,” said the locals of Hajam Mohalla and Dawood colony.

The non-availability of the water is putting the locals to immense hardship and they have to walk several miles, especially in this harsh water., to fetch water from a tube well near a jungle.  “The villagers especially women  have to carry water from far off  place near the forest and these hardships could have been eased had the officials worked to ensure supply.”

The locals also told GNS that they met the local AEE several times and every time he would assure them it would be done soon.

“Last time he told us that the repairs and other necessary steps would be taken soon after the elections (Panchayats) were over. Thirteen days have elapsed but no action has been taken,” he said, adding, “He also told us why we went to higher-ups through media and instead told us to come to them.”

The locals again urged the higher authorities to intervene and see that they get potable water by repairing the main pipes.

“We are thankful to Commissioner Secretary PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Department Farooq Ahmad Shah and concerned officials of the department who in very short span of time ensured that pipes are laid down in the area and connections provided to us but without connecting these pipes with the main supply means that hardships continue to be there,” they said, “We request Commissioner Secretary PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Department and other higher-ups of the department to ensure that supply is ensured and see that no public servant misuses official position at the detriment o the people.”  (GNS)