Srinagar, Apr 21: Thousands of villagers in Wachi here are being supplied drinking water directly from a tributary of Toungri river allegedly by the Public Health Engineering department without filtration.
 The water pipes have been laid down in the tributary to take the water to thousands of households in villages Herman, Aloora, Alamgunj, Neildoora, Haji Pora, Dehand, etc.
 The scheme according to the residents was started nine years ago and the department was yet to construct the filtration plant. The six pipes have been directly laid into the rivulet to draw the water and take it to consumers. Interestingly, the rivulet also flows to the villages along side water pipes.
 “There is tap in my house and at the same time the stream also passes by my house. I find no difference in taking the water from the tap or the stream. It is one and the same,” rues Ali Muhammad Bhat of Harman.
 The villagers said when the department laid pipes they assured that pure drinking water would be supplied. However, getting safe dirking water is still a distant dream.
 The villagers allege negligence of PHE officials and the Member Legislative Assembly, Mehbooba Mufti for their miseries.
 “Our repeated pleas to the PHE officials fell to the deaf ear. Even our local MLA is not concerned about the welfare of people,” said Ali Mohammed Sheikh another villager.
 In the absence of any filtration insects, dirt and other impurities also flow throw these pipes and during rainy days taps carry the muddy water, residents said. The Health officials say the people in these areas were prone to water borne diseases and should ensure that water is boiled before drinking.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 IST