Villagers block Srinagar-Gulmarg highway in Mazhama to protest water scarcity.
Hundreds of men and women on Monday blocked Srinagar-Gulmarg highway in Mazhama village to protest “acute” drinking water shortage.
Scores of vehicles were stranded on the busy highway because of the protest.
Villagers said that around 15000 souls inhabiting the area were craving for potable water supply for past more than two months.
They said the Narbal-Magam water supply scheme feeding from the Tangmarg nalas is dysfunctional and that the authorities didn’t bother to make an alternate arrangement for them.
“We were assured water supply through tanker services but it is infrequent and the supply is much less as compared to our need.
“Time and again, we had apprised the authorities but still no action was taken.
Until its approval, locals are demanding consistent tanker services to these villages.
Executive Engineer PHE Division Budgam G M Beigh said: “An additional tractor tanker will be arranged for the worst hit vicinities until the permanent resolution of the problem.” National Conference President and MP Dr Farooq Abdullah today led a delegation of opposition leaders to Governor N N Vohra and impressed upon him to convene a special session of JK Assembly.
Two militants were killed in an ongoing operation in Shankergund Brath area of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday, police said.