Danishwar Hameed
Kulgam, Nov, 09: The residents of Zado Gujjar Basti on DK Marg have been grappling with an ongoing water crisis for over a decade, despite assurances from the government under the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ scheme. The community, largely consisting of low-income families, has been without reliable access to clean drinking water since 2012. In particular, women bear the brunt of this hardship, walking over 2.5 kilometers every day to fetch water, often enduring physical strain and frustration.
Launched with the goal of providing every household with water by 2024, the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ scheme has not yet reached Zado Gujjar Basti. “We are suffering a lot since 2012,” said Sakeela, a resident of the basti. “Every day, we have to walk long distances to bring water, and there is no help from the government. Why are our lives any less important?”
For many women in the area, the task of collecting water is both physically exhausting and time-consuming. “The walk is tiring. We wait for hours to fill our containers, and then carry them back. It’s especially difficult in the summer,” shared Jeebana, another resident. The situation worsens during the scorching summer months, when residents are forced to endure long waits at distant water sources.
Despite repeated complaints to local authorities and assurances of assistance, the situation has shown little improvement. Water supply pipelines have either not been extended to the area or remain in poor condition, leaving residents without a reliable source of clean water.
“The lack of basic amenities like clean drinking water is a stark reminder of the negligence in this urban locality. The government must fulfill its promises and treat us as equal citizens,” said Mohd Shafi, a community leader in Zado Gujjar Basti. “It’s high time they act to provide us with water.”
As winter approaches, local women have expressed growing concern over how they will manage the already difficult task of fetching water in colder weather. “In summer, we somehow manage to bring water from 2.5 kilometers away. But with the cold setting in, it will only get harder,” said another resident.
In response to media inquiries, Nawaz Ah Bhat, Xen of Public Health Engineering (PHE), acknowledged the challenges, stating, “The area’s higher elevation makes water supply more difficult. However, we are working on a solution, and residents can expect to begin receiving drinking water by the first week of December.”
As residents of Zado Gujjar Basti continue their daily struggle, they remain hopeful that the government will finally address their long-standing water crisis and ensure that the promises of the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ scheme are fulfilled. The community is urging local authorities to prioritize basic services like water and ensure that no one is left behind.
