Tariq khan cni

Mendhar, CNI//Amid heavy monsoon rains, residents of Pathanateer and

adjoining areas in the Mendhar Sub-Division of Poonch district are reeling under an acute drinking water crisis due to the prolonged disruption of supply from the region’s lift water scheme.In a statement, DDC Member Head Qatar Mendhar, Engineer Wajid Bashir Khan Tickoo

alleged that NC Govt. has failed to provide basic amenities particularly drinking water and others to remote and backward areas. He said the water scarcity in Pathanateer — a village devoid of any natural water springs or hand pumps, has reached alarming levels forcing residents to walk several kilometers on daily basis to fetch water during the ongoing monsoon season.”People in the region are yearning for every drop of clean drinking water. The supply through the lift scheme has remained defunct for a long time

and the Jal Shakti Department’s negligence has left the population of thousands in distress,” Tickoo lamented.He further alleged that lack of accountability and coordination within the Jal Shakti (PHE) Department along with official apathy has worsened the situation. Tickoo

claimed that the department has failed to ensure timely maintenance and supply of essential water infrastructure in the area.”During rains, residents are compelled to collect water dripping from rooftops to wash their livestock and clothes. When roads are open, they carry bottles and cans of water from distant fields but when the routes are blocked due to landslides, they are completely cut off,” he added.Tickoo Khan

pointed out that although the government had provided water pipes and infrastructure, a few politically connected individuals allegedly diverted the resources to benefit only select households leaving nearly 70% of the population without access to water taps or connections.Expressing deep concern, the DDC member made a fervent appeal to the UT government especially Minister for ‘Jal Shakti’

Javed Ahmed Rana and the District Development Commissioner, Poonch to take urgent remedial measures. He stressed the need for restoring the lift water scheme and ensuring equitable distribution of water connections in the affected villages.”This is not merely an infrastructural failure but a humanitarian crisis in the making.

The government must act swiftly to ensure that clean drinking water reaches the people of this mountainous and neglected region,” Tickoo urged.Local residents have echoed similar concerns accusing the authorities of indifference even as they continue to face hardships amidst worsening weather conditions. CNI