Kupwara villagers left without potable water

Amin Masoodi

Kupwara, January 28

Scores of families in Dardpora village of frontier Kupwara district are living without potable water facility, even as the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department claims to have spent over Rs 1 crore on a water supply scheme last year.

Earlier this week, the residents of the village protested against the PHE Department and demanded a thorough probe into the alleged misappropriation of funds, meant for providing water supply to the inhabitants.

“In the absence of potable water facility, our women are forced to walk miles for water. What is the point in spending over Rs 1 crore when we are dying for a drop of water,” said Mohammad Sultan, a Dardpora resident.

“The authorities should thoroughly probe the embezzlement and guilty officials must be brought to book. On the ground, only a few pipes have been laid. Where has Rs 1 crore gone?” he asked.

Abdul Jabbar said: “The PHE office at Kralpora is involved in selling the pipes which were to be laid in the village for water supply. No tap connection has been provided and villagers continue to suffer due to the scarcity.”

The local alleged that even the mosque in the area has been left without the water supply.

Despite repeated attempts Executive Engineer, PHE, Division Kupwara, Ghulam Qadir could not be contacted for his comments.