Budgam, Dec 03 (KNO): Residents of Basanth wader village in the Khansahib area of Budgam district staged a protest against the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department, demanding urgent access to clean drinking water and raised concerns over the department’s planning and execution of pipeline projects.
The protesters, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), alleged that despite being located near three major water sources, their village and surrounding areas remain neglected.
They said the administration has failed to address the drying canals from which they previously accessed water. “The nearby villages, despite proximity to water sources, are ignored, while resources are being allocated elsewhere," said a protester.
He said the department must prioritise the preservation of existing water sources.
The protesters also raised concerns over pipeline installations in the village, alleging that pipelines were being laid without proper surveys, which is affecting private properties. “The department should conduct surveys before laying pipelines to avoid encroaching on private land,” another protester said.
AEE, PHE sub-division Khansahib told KNO that the pipeline installation would not harm anyone’s property. “Everything is being handled professionally to ensure no losses occur,” he said.
The officer said that improvements have been made under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). “Before JJM, households relied on unfiltered canal water 24/7. Now, they are receiving filtered, safe drinking water through the scheduled supply. No household has been left out under the JJM scheme,” he said—(KNO)