8 tube-wells to be added in system after revocation of MCC
Sanjeev K Sharma
JAMMU, May 28: Like other parts of the country, the increasing temperature has thrown normal life out of gear in Jammu also, and the poor water supply here has further added to the miseries of the people who are forced to purchase water from private tankers at exorbitant rates.
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Water supply is not regular in almost entire of the Jammu city and its peripheries with certain areas getting water supply even after eight days and that too with a very low pressure and the supply even remaining for less than 30 minutes.
Apart from most parts of Jammu city, the worst affected areas remained Bhatindi, Chowadi, Channi, Narwal, Bahu Fort, Talab Tillo, Anand Nagar, Bohri, Paloura, Janipur, Bantalab, Kot Bhalwal etc.
“We get the water supply after 2-3 days and that too for a few minutes with a very low pressure,” said Ajit Singh, 82, a retired Army officer from Sainik Colony area in the outskirts of Jammu city.
He further informed that people of his locality are forced to purchase water from private tankers at exorbitant prices.
Similar were the reactions from people from many other areas of Jammu.
Om Raj, 72, a retired Government employee residing in Ganga Nagar area near Ban Talab said that water is supplied after 7-8 days in his locality.
“We visited offices of the concerned authorities many times and highlighted our problem but our repeated pleas went to the deaf ears of the authorities and nothing fruitful has emerged so far,” he said.
Sanjay Sharma, 53, a shopkeeper from Jullaka Mohalla area of old Jammu city said there is no schedule for water supply in his locality.
“Some time water supply is made daily but sometimes it is made after two days and that too for not more than half of an hour with a very low pressure,” he maintained.
At Anand Nagar, Bohri, Raju Pandita informed that they purchase water from private tankers at excessive prices because the supply from the concerned department remains only for once a week.
It is pertinent to mention here that at many places protest demonstrations are being staged to highlight the issue but the solution still appears nowhere in sight.
Apart from this the Jal Shakti Department (JSD) has also stopped issuing new water connections in the city.
Reliable sources in JSD informed that with the advent of summers, 50 per cent demand of water has increased in Jammu and its adjoining areas and this has caused many problems.
“Though tankers of JSD remain in service throughout the year but the same caters to only a meager need as the requirement for water remains much-much bigger in summers,” they said adding: “Eight tube-wells have been constructed in Jammu on both sides of Tawi river and these are ready to use and would be started soon after the ongoing Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is revoked.”
On stopping new water connections sources claimed that the same remains a routine exercise in summer months.
“The new water connections will be started from the month of September this year,” they continued.
Insiders in JSD informed that power-cuts also hits water supply and they also advised that water should be used judiciously these days.
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