Srinagar drinking water crisis exposes governance and accountability gaps: Ahmad Ayaz

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 22: Noted social activist and columnist Ahmad Ayaz has expressed serious concern over the prolonged disruption of drinking-water supply in several parts of Srinagar, particularly HMT and adjoining areas, alleging administrative mismanagement and a lack of accountability in addressing the crisis.

Ayaz said residents have been struggling for drinking water for days and weeks despite repeated complaints to the concerned authorities.

“Drinking water is a basic necessity, not a privilege. When residents are forced to struggle for water for days and weeks despite repeated complaints to the concerned authorities, it raises serious questions about the functioning of the entire system,” he said in a statement issued to the press.

He said residents, Mohalla committees and Masjid committees had repeatedly brought the issue to the notice of the concerned departments, but alleged that there had been little visible urgency or effective intervention to resolve the problem.

“A crisis of this magnitude should have shaken the corridors of power. Instead, there appears to be a disturbing absence of accountability,” Ayaz said, questioning why officers responsible for water supply continue in their positions despite persistent complaints.

He specifically questioned the rationale behind retaining officials in the same areas despite repeated grievances and alleged failures in service delivery.

“Even some officials who were earlier serving as JEs and have subsequently been promoted as AEEs continue to remain posted in the same areas. If an officer remains in the same position despite persistent public grievances, what mechanism is there to ensure improvement in performance?” he asked.

Ayaz also expressed concern over what he described as a growing public perception that administrative postings and key positions are sometimes influenced by considerations other than merit and performance.

“If merit and performance are compromised in postings, the consequences are ultimately borne by the common people. The government cannot expect better results while allowing the same administrative arrangements to continue despite repeated failures,” he said.

He cautioned against attempts to portray the situation as normal through official statements, arguing that the experiences of residents on the ground must be taken into account.

“There should be no attempt to hide or minimise the crisis through official statements. The government must listen to the people on the ground. Field realities cannot be replaced by departmental reports,” Ayaz said.

He called upon the government to undertake an immediate and comprehensive review of the drinking-water situation in all affected areas of Srinagar, identify the causes of repeated disruptions, fix responsibility for negligence and take corrective measures without delay.

Ayaz also urged concerned Ministers, MLAs and senior officers to personally visit the affected areas instead of relying solely on reports submitted by subordinate officials.

“People elected their government expecting accountability, responsiveness and relief. They did not vote for the continuation of the same administrative culture under a political seal. If an elected government cannot ensure something as basic as regular drinking water, it must seriously introspect,” he said.

He said accountability should not be limited to explanations issued after each crisis, but should translate into responsibility, corrective action and consequences for persistent administrative failures.

“This is not merely a water-supply issue. It is a test of governance. The people deserve answers—and they deserve them now,” Ayaz said.