Water shortage hits Sgr City parts, elsewhere; residents worried

Water shortage hits Sgr City parts, elsewhere; residents worried

Authorities say heat wave caused low reservoir levels

Rehan Qayoom Mir

Srinagar, Sep 23 (KNO): Several parts of Srinagar city as well as South Srinagar, its outskirts, and neighboring areas in Budgam, are grappling with a severe water shortage, leaving residents distressed and worried.

According to the officials, the shortage has been attributed to falling water levels in most reservoirs due to the recent heat wave and fluctuating temperatures.

The residents, however, are frustrated with the situation.

Many of them informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that several locations of Srinagar, along with parts of Budgam, are affected by the water shortage, leaving them frustrated and worried.

Locals from the affected areas have voiced complaints about the erratic water supply and the unavailability of water tankers.

Sahil, a local from Qamarwari, Srinagar said, “We have been facing this issue for the past few days and the tanker service is almost non-existent.”

A resident from South Srinagar added, “We have been facing an acute water shortage for the past two to three days, and it’s affecting our daily lives.”

Meanwhile, officials from the Jal Shakti Department, when contacted by KNO, said many reservoirs have experienced a significant drop in water levels, making it difficult to ensure an uninterrupted water supply.

“The change in temperature and a fresh heat wave have impacted the water levels in most of our reservoirs,” an official said.

He added, “We have now implemented a scheduled water supply system. Under the implemented schedule, water will be provided to households between 6 AM and 11 AM, with an additional supply from 4 PM to 7 PM, while the remaining time is reserved for the reservoirs to recharge.”

Asked about the shortage of tankers, the Jal Shakti Department official continued, “Many of our tankers are currently engaged in preparations for the upcoming assembly elections. The few tankers we have left are being deployed to assist the public, but we understand the concerns.”

Assuring residents that the situation is temporary, he also said the water supply should stabilize in the coming days as the weather cools and rainfall helps recharge the reservoirs. “People need not to worry. Our helpline service is available 24×7 for any emergencies or concerns,” he said.

Pertinently, at 33.2°C, Qazigund broke all its previous records, marking the highest temperature ever recorded in Qazigund in September. “Today’s temperature was 7.6°C above normal. Meanwhile, parts of the Kashmir Valley are witnessing a severe heatwave with day and night temperatures 5-8°C above normal,” the weather report stated—(KNO)

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