Magam, Jan 30, KNT: Amid ongoing snowfall, residents of Agrikalan area of Magam on Monday staged a strong protest against the Public Health Engineering Department over acute drinking water scarcity, blocking the Tangmarg–Gulmarg Highway for several hours and raising slogans demanding the presence of their local MLA.
Men and women participated in the protest, accusing the PHE Department of failing to ensure regular supply of potable water despite repeated complaints. The protesters said the area has been reeling under severe water shortage for weeks, forcing inhabitants to depend on unsafe and alternative sources.
Raising slogans of “Where is the MLA?”, the protesters said elected representatives had gone missing at a time when people were facing serious hardship during harsh winter conditions. They said the absence of the local MLA during the crisis had added to public resentment and anger.
“The taps in our homes have remained dry for days. We have approached officials repeatedly, but nothing has changed. At least our MLA should come and listen to our problems,” said one of the protesters.
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Residents said the situation becomes more alarming during winter as springs and other sources freeze due to sub-zero temperatures, leaving families, children and elderly people vulnerable.
The protest led to disruption of traffic on the Tangmarg–Gulmarg Highway, causing inconvenience to commuters and tourists. Police personnel reached the spot and regulated traffic while engaging with the protesters to defuse the situation.
Later, officials from the PHE Department assured the protesters that the issue would be addressed on a priority basis. They attributed the disruption to technical faults and reduced discharge due to freezing conditions and promised immediate repairs and restoration of water supply.
Following the assurance, the protesters dispersed peacefully but warned that they would intensify their agitation if the water crisis persists and if their elected representative continues to remain absent. [KNT]
