JAMMU, Jun 10: Prominent Kashmiri displaced political and social activists have expressed serious concern over the persistent water scarcity being faced by residents of Jagti Migrant Camp, alleging that the situation has worsened over the past three months, particularly after the water supply scheme was taken over by the Jal Shakti Department.
In a joint statement, Sanjay Dhar, A.K. Sadu, Piaray Lal Pandita, Raj Kumar Ticku and Charenjit Singh, along with other community representatives, highlighted the hardships being faced by camp residents due to irregular water supply.
The leaders appealed to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister, the Minister for Jal Shakti and the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory to personally intervene in the matter. They questioned the expenditure of crores of rupees on the installation of borewells and the revamping of the water supply system for Jagti Camp, alleging that despite substantial spending, the output has been negligible and the supply situation has deteriorated.
According to the leaders, while water was previously supplied on a daily basis, residents are now receiving water only once every six days during the ongoing dry spell and intense summer heat. They described the situation as alarming and said it has caused immense hardship to thousands of camp inmates.
The statement further alleged that despite repeated representations to the Custodian Relief Organisation and officials of the Jal Shakti Department, no effective action has been taken to restore regular water supply. The leaders claimed that the displaced community feels neglected and subjected to discriminatory treatment.
Seeking immediate redressal, they urged the government to ensure that essential civic amenities and basic living rights of Jagti Camp residents are protected. They also reiterated the long-pending demand for a comprehensive rehabilitation policy to facilitate the dignified return of displaced Kashmiri families to the Valley.
The leaders called upon the Jal Shakti Department to restore regular water supply at the earliest and sought a detailed inquiry into the expenditure incurred on borewells and related infrastructure projects that have reportedly failed to improve the water supply situation in the camp.