Shariq peerzada
Shopian: In a stark reflection of the hardships faced by residents in remote areas, people in SaniMarg, Lati Naad Gati Pora of Shopian district are struggling for two basic necessities — clean drinking water and safe connectivity.
Residents, particularly women and children, are reportedly forced to cross a dangerous water channel on a daily basis as there is no proper bridge to ensure safe passage. What should be a routine part of everyday life has instead become a risky challenge for the local community.
The absence of a safe crossing has created serious difficulties for school-going children, women and other residents who need to move between their homes and nearby areas. For children, crossing the channel can be particularly dangerous, especially during heavy rainfall or when the water level rises.
At the same time, residents continue to face a shortage of clean drinking water, leaving families dependent on unsafe or unhygienic sources. The situation has raised concerns over the possibility of waterborne diseases and other health-related risks.
For women, the lack of basic facilities adds to their daily burden, while children are compelled to negotiate an unsafe route simply to attend school and carry out their routine activities.
Residents say the problems are not new and have repeatedly highlighted the need for basic infrastructure and essential services. However, the continued absence of a proper bridge and reliable access to clean drinking water has left the community feeling neglected.
The situation raises a larger question: How long should residents continue to risk their safety for something as basic as crossing a stream or accessing clean drinking water?
The concerned authorities need to treat the matter as a priority and take immediate steps to provide safe drinking water and a permanent bridge in the area. For the residents of SaniMarg, these are not demands for luxury or convenience — they are basic necessities required for a safe and dignified life.
