Asian Mail News Desk
Srinagar: Residents of Shadab Colony in Ahmad Nagar, Srinagar, have accused the Jammu and Kashmir Jal Shakti Department of alleged negligence in ensuring the supply of safe drinking water, claiming that filth, contaminants, and other unhygienic material were recovered during the cleaning of a two-inch drinking water supply pipeline. According to the residents, the incident has raised serious concerns in the locality, with people expressing apprehension over the quality of drinking water and the potential risks to public health.
The residents said they had been noticing foul smell, contamination, and poor water quality over the past several days. They alleged that when the pipeline was inspected, a dead animal and other impurities were reportedly found inside it. They warned that if the situation continues, it could lead to the outbreak of waterborne diseases, posing serious health risks to children, the elderly, and other residents.
Locals further alleged that the Jal Shakti Department has failed to ensure the timely cleaning, monitoring, and maintenance of water storage tanks and supply pipelines, forcing people to consume contaminated water. They said access to clean drinking water is a basic right of every citizen, but claimed that the department has not been effectively fulfilling this essential responsibility.
Residents maintained that such an incident could have been avoided had the pipelines been inspected and cleaned at regular intervals. They demanded an immediate technical inspection of all water supply lines in the area, identification of the source of contamination, and strict action against those found responsible if any negligence is established.
Several residents expressed deep concern over the incident, stating that water is a basic necessity of life and that any form of contamination poses a serious threat to public health. They urged the authorities to send water samples for laboratory testing so that the public can be provided with clear and authentic information regarding the quality of the water being supplied.
The residents appealed to the Chief Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department and other senior officials to take immediate and serious cognizance of the matter, conduct a comprehensive inspection of the drinking water supply system in Shadab Colony, Ahmad Nagar, and ensure the supply of clean, safe, and quality drinking water to the area.
The response of the Jal Shakti Department was not immediately available. The department’s version will be incorporated into the report as and when it is received.
