JAMMU: In response to longstanding water scarcity issues affecting Bantalab, Durga Nagar, and nearby areas, a delegation led by Kashmir Displaced District President Chand Ji Bhat recently met with Chief Engineer Hamesh Manchanda of the Jal Shakti Department. The delegation, which included Vice Presidents Sanjay Bhat and Chetan Wanchoo, General Secretary H.K. Razdan, and Treasurer P.K. Bhat, emphasized the severe impact of erratic drinking water supply on local communities.
For years, residents have faced unreliable water supply cycles of only once every 6 to 7 days, disrupting daily life and posing serious health risks due to unsanitary conditions. Chand Ji Bhat emphasized, "Water is a basic necessity, and the inconsistent supply is unacceptable, particularly in areas integral to the Jammu Smart City initiative and located just 7 kilometers from the Civil Secretariat."
Despite assurances from the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department regarding measures like tube well installations, residents expressed frustration over the lack of substantial action, leading to a loss of trust in authorities.
In response to the delegation's concerns, Chief Engineer Hamesh Manchanda pledged immediate action. A team, supervised by the Superintending Engineer and comprising Executive Engineers, will visit affected areas to oversee the implementation of remedial measures, including the sanctioning of tube wells. This initiative aims to alleviate the community's plight by ensuring a more reliable water supply. The residents of Bantalab and Durga Nagar await these efforts with hope, anticipating relief from their prolonged water woes.
