Nagbal, Yusmarg, Aug 26:
Nagbal Yusmarg, a picturesque village nestled in the lap of nature, is grappling with a severe and prolonged water supply crisis that has plagued the inhabitants of Sultana Colony for years. The chronology of events reveals a distressing tale of bureaucratic hurdles, unfulfilled assurances, and the determined struggle of villagers to secure their basic right to clean drinking water.
Now the residents have written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking PMO’s intervention in resolving their drinking water crisis.
- Residents of the village told Ziraat Times that after years of struggle when the final approval was obtained for the water supply scheme, its location is veigg changed at the behest of certain contractors who have a vested interest in that location. They maintain that if the water supply scheme comes up at that location, it would not be able to supply water to the Sultana Colony due to the elevation difference.
Senior officials at the PHE Department, on the other hand, told Ziraat Times that the location of the scheme is guided purely by the feasibility analysis for the scheme.
Origins of the issue:
The origins of this tale trace back to as early as 2014, when the residents of the area made efforts to secure their right to clean drinking water through the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Residents told Ziraat Times that the issue, however, has remained unresolved with the passage of time, with multiple letters and notices exchanged between various government authorities, legal representatives, and the aggrieved villagers.
The central issue revolves around the provision of water supply to Gorrsi Mohalla and Masjid Mohalla within Sultana Colony. The records indicate that pipes were laid as per demand to avoid potential unrest, but the effectiveness of these efforts remains questionable. A detailed report from the Assistant Executive Engineer indicated that while the pipes were laid, the actual distribution of water supply remained a concern due to less water flow.
In subsequent years, the inhabitants of Sultana Colony continued their fight for their basic right. Advocates, representing the villagers, sent notices to the Chief Engineer of the PHE Department, lamenting the lack of action despite approvals and sanctioned funds for water supply improvements. The inhabitants’ grievances were voiced through legal channels, accusing the PHE Department of not only failing to act but also contemplating a change of location for water supply infrastructure, a decision that would worsen their situation.
One of the major turning points in this ongoing saga was the submission of a request to the Prime Minister of India, seeking attention to the matter.
Despite the efforts of the inhabitants and the legal representatives’ persistence, the issue remains unresolved, and the villagers of Sultana Colony continue to face the daily challenges of inadequate water supply.
Chronology of key developments in the issue
On March 12, 2014, Muhammad Azam Gorsi, S/o Qadir Bakshi Gorsi, from Nagbal, submits an application under the RTI Act, seeking information regarding the sanction of water supply facilities in the village.
– The application is forwarded to Asstt. Executive Engineer PHE Sub Division Charisharief for necessary action.
– The Assistant Executive Engineer submits a detailed report stating that pipes were laid as per demand, but distribution of water supply remained an issue.
On January 29, 2019, Mohammad Azim Goojar Goorsi again filed an application on behalf of villagers to redress the water supply grievance.
– The Chief Engineer PHE acting on J&K Government’s Grievance Cell direction forwards the complaint to the concerned Executive Engineer for necessary action.
– Despite efforts, the water supply situation remains dire for a significant portion of the villagers.
2021 – Legal Intervention and Frustrated Hopes
On June 22, 2019, a legal notice is served by Mohammad Yousuf Parray, an advocate from J&K High Court, on behalf of the inhabitants of Sultana Colony. The notice highlights that despite approvals, no action has been taken to construct water supply infrastructure.
– Accusations arise that the PHE Department intends to relocate the project, causing further distress to the community.
– The inhabitants express concern that the proposed relocationn of the water scheme to Raikote would exacerbate their already dire situation due to the elevation differences between the scheme and the village.
2023 – Seeking Attention from Higher Authorities
On August 23, 2023, a plea is submitted by the Sarpanch of Panchayat Halqa Nagbal Yousmarg, requesting the government to construct the water supply system at the approved site.
– The villagers appeal to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir UT, highlighting their ongoing struggles and the lack of action despite approved funds.
– A plea is also directed to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, seeking intervention to prioritize the water supply project.
The timeline of events underscores the enduring ordeal of Sultana Colony’s inhabitants. Their quest for a reliable water supply system has spanned years, marked by petitions, legal notices, and formal appeals to various government entities. Despite assurances, approvals, and sanctioned funds, the villagers continue to grapple with the scarcity of clean drinking water.
The case of Sultana Colony serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing essential amenities and the complexities within the bureaucratic system that often hinder timely resolutions. As the village yearns for a resolution to their water supply plight, their struggle also highlights the need for efficient governance and prompt implementation of approved projects to ensure the well-being of every citizen.
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