BY: Ejaz-ul-haq Bhat
Bandipora, Mar 17: Even after passing of more than seven years, the ambitious water supply scheme (WSS)—Lawaypora-Khayar is yet to be completed owing to the lackadaisical approach of the concerned authorities, locals said.
The construction of the scheme was started in 2013 by PHE division Bandipora but the scheme is yet to be completed.
The locals said that they are forced to consume contaminated water directly from a nearby canal as the village doesn’t have any provision of potable water.
They said that the scheme was to benefit around 500 households of two villages including Khayar and Lawaypora but the villagers have been left high and dry as the scheme is yet to be completed despite the passing of more than 7 years.
“The concerned department started the construction in the year 2013 but they have failed to complete it even as eight years have passed. In these years they have been able to build only a reservoir. Though pipe network has been laid but they are dry as no water flows through them,” said Ashiq Mir, a local resident.
He claimed that the department has spent around 30 lakh on the construction of the reservoir but the villagers are yet to get potable water, speaking volumes about the callous and indifferent attitude of the concerned authorities.
“When the department started the construction of the scheme we were told that the scheme consists of the water reservoir and filtration plant but they have constructed only a reservoir during these years and last year the department left the construction works. They have only dug a huge pit for a filtration plant,” the locals said. “Last year when they filled the reservoir with water it developed cracks and water started leaking from the reservoir.”
They said that after the reservoir developed cracks the department had to empty the reservoir. “Since then no work was carried out on the scheme as the concerned department abandoned the project, leaving the WSS to dogs. This is very unfortunate on part of the concerned department that they have failed to complete the project in eight years’ time,” they said.
The locals told –KNO that in the absence of any water supply scheme in the twin villages they are being forced to consume contaminated water from a nearby canal due to which sickness has befallen the villagers.Officials said that under the scheme a reservoir with a capacity of 78, 000 gallons and a chamber has been constructed at a cost of around 30 lakh, however, the scheme was financially closed last year.When contacted executive engineer PHE division Bandipora, Abdul Khaliq Qureshi said the scheme has been included under Jal Jeevan Mission and it will be taken up for construction very “soon”—(KNO)
