Shopian residents forced to drink contaminated water, exposing administrative apathy in IIOJK
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), residents of several areas in Shopian district have been forced to consume contaminated water for the past several weeks, exposing continued administrative apathy and neglect, while raising serious fears of disease outbreaks.
According to Kashmir Media Service, residents of Gagren, Bonabazaar, Nakhasi Mohalla and other localities have complained that the water supplied to their homes is heavily polluted and unfit for human consumption. Locals told media that the supply is so contaminated that it is not even suitable for washing clothes, let alone drinking.
They said the problem has persisted for weeks without any meaningful response from the occupation authorities, despite repeated complaints. As a result, residents are forced to purchase drinking water from shops, adding to their financial burden amid already difficult living conditions.
A local resident, Aabid Hussain, said contaminated water frequently flows through taps, and the problem becomes even worse during the rainy season, further exposing the failure of basic public utilities.
Residents further expressed concern over the potential threat of waterborne diseases such as jaundice, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis, warning of a potential public health crisis if the situation continues unchecked.
They urged the authorities to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the supply of safe drinking water, saying continued neglect on the part of authorities reflects a broader pattern of indifference toward public welfare in IIOJK.
