Water Crisis in Kewal Village ; Tehsildar Kotranka Visits the Area, Assures Resolution in Two Weeks

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

ZAHID SHAH

BUDHAL SEPT 29:-In Village Kewal (Lower) area of Budhal Division, a serious shortage of drinking water had sparked growing public outrage due to prolonged JJM department inaction. However, tensions temporarily eased when Tehsildar Kotranka, Mr. Sahil Ali Shah, personally visited the village and held detailed discussions with local representatives and residents.

During his visit, the Tehsildar assured that drinking water supply would be restored within two weeks, requesting a final grace period. The protest, which was planned against the excessive delay, poor planning, and negligence under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) pipeline project, was postponed following this assurance.

The village has been facing a severe water crisis for months, affecting not just households but also schools, mosques, and health centers — leading to a near-emergency situation.

The Tehsildar, accompanied by the Assistant Executive Engineer and Junior Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, visited various neighborhoods within the village. He reviewed the current water sources, non-functional schemes, and the condition of affected families.

He warned the concerned officials that strict administrative action would be taken if the water supply is not restored within two weeks. He instructed the field staff present on-site to ensure daily progress, maintain quality, and adhere to timelines.

Local leader and former Sarpanch Mohammad Farooq Inquilabi submitted a detailed memorandum to the Tehsildar, highlighting delays and allegations of substandard construction. Speaking to the media, Farooq Inquilabi said that while the administration’s response is appreciated, “this is not the time for promises but for real action.” He warned that if clean drinking water is not provided within the given deadline, the protest will expand further.

While local representatives and residents welcomed the visit as a positive step, they emphasized that symbolic gestures alone won’t solve the problem. Real relief will only come once the scheme is fully completed and sustainable water supply is ensured.

Public opinion urged the Jammu and Kashmir government, the Jal Shakti Department, and the district administration to prioritize Kewal (Lower) for clean water supply and address other basic infrastructural needs. Locals noted that although the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to deliver safe drinking water to every household, in many rural areas of Jammu & Kashmir — including Kewal (Lower) — the scheme has suffered due to mismanagement, delays, and substandard work. Despite spending crores of rupees, the on-ground results remain unsatisfactory.