Residents of Pulwama’s Sonzwatter village face longstanding water crisis

PULWAMA — Residents of Sonzwatter village in southern Kashmir’s Pulwama district have demanded potable water in the area.

The residents of the area told the news agency KNO that the area has been facing a water crisis for a long time now but no steps are being taken in this regard.

They said that for years, the residents of the area have been facing inconvenience due to the unavailability of potable water in the area.

Muzzafar Ahmed, a local, said that they have been consuming contaminated water for years as they don’t have access to potable water yet.

He said that the government on the one hand is putting emphasis on sanitation while on the other hand, the government has failed in providing potable water to people.

Mohammad Shafi, another local, said that the government had earlier started a water pump but that was later left midway giving locals a very tough time.

Locals said that they have brought this issue to the notice of higher-ups several times but to no avail.

Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Department Pulwama, Nisar Ahmad said that they had explored a tube well in the area but chemical contamination was found in it due to which they are unable to provide water to the area.

He said that Deputy Commissioner Pulwama is providing funds under capex funds in the coming financial year and residents will very soon get potable water.