Residents of New Basti Kanzalwan face shortage of drinking water; locals urge Jal Shakti Department to restore supply
Aadil Abdullah
Bandipora, Oct 20 : The Indian Army has supplied drinking water to residents of New Basti Kanzalwan in north Kashmir’s Gurez Valley after damage to a pipeline disrupted the regular supply to the border village for several days.
The disruption has left families struggling to arrange water for drinking, cooking and other household needs in the remote village of Bandipora district, near the Line of Control (LoC).
Residents said the Army’s intervention had provided temporary relief, while urging the Jal Shakti Department to repair the damaged pipeline and restore the regular water supply.
Mohammad Munwar Lone, a former nambardar of Kanzalwan, appreciated the Army’s assistance, saying its role extended beyond guarding the country’s borders.
He said Army personnel had supported local residents during difficult times, particularly in remote areas where access to essential services remained a challenge. He thanked them for arranging water tankers to help affected families.
Residents also highlighted the difficulties caused by the disruption, particularly for women responsible for managing water for cooking, cleaning and other domestic needs.
While welcoming the Army’s assistance, locals said a permanent solution was necessary to prevent recurring disruptions. They urged the Jal Shakti Department to take immediate steps to repair the pipeline and ensure an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water.
The incident has brought into focus the challenges faced by residents of remote border villages, where disruptions to basic services can affect daily life. Residents said the Army’s intervention had offered immediate relief but stressed that the concerned department needed to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply.
