Budgam, Jan 5 — Residents of Nassarpora Check Mohalla in Khag area of central Kashmir on Monday staged a protest against what they described as a prolonged failure of authorities to provide drinking water, forcing families to endure severe hardship during the winter season.
Angry residents blocked the Khag–Magam Road, disrupting vehicular movement for nearly an hour as they raised slogans against the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department. Protesters chanted “PHE Hai Hai,” accusing the department of neglecting the area despite repeated complaints.
Locals said the locality has been without potable water for several days, leaving households struggling to meet even basic daily needs. “We are facing freezing temperatures and there is not a single drop of clean drinking water in our homes,” a resident said.
According to protesters, women are the worst affected as they are forced to walk nearly a kilometre to fetch water from a nearby stream, asserting the water source is polluted and unsafe for consumption. “This water is not fit for drinking. It poses a serious risk to children, elderly people and those who are already ill,” another protester said.
Residents questioned government claims of universal water coverage under schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission. “They say every household has tap water, but come and see our condition. Where is Jal Shakti? We are being denied our most basic right,” a protester said.
The protest led to temporary traffic disruption before personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police reached the spot and restored vehicular movement.
Residents appealed to the district administration to intervene and ensure immediate restoration of water supply. They also urged the MLA from Khan Sahib constituency to personally take up the matter and resolve the issue.
Protesters warned that they would intensify their agitation if authorities fail to address the problem timely.