Srinagar, Jan 24: Resentment is brewing among residents of Makhdoom Sahib locality against the authorities for providing them what they said “foul smelling and contaminated water”.
 An extensive area of Makhdoom Sahib, Sheikh Colony, Bachidarwaza and adjacent localities have complained of getting contaminated water supply since summer last year.
 Majid Makhdoomi, a resident of Makdhoom Sahib locality said: “We have been getting contaminated water supply for the last six to seven months. Despite complaints no steps have been taken to improve the supply.”
 He alleged that several people known to him in the area fell ill due to consumption contaminated water.
 Hilal Ahmad, a resident of Sheikh Colony said they have to walk over a mile to get potable water.
 “We carry buckets and water pots over the handcarts while some families during summers had hired labours to ferry water.”
 Altaf Ahmad Zargar, a resident of Bachidarwaza said the authorities should get the water supplies tested to know the truth.
 “As of now we are being victimized,” he said.
 Farooq Ahmad, said anyone who visits the locality was at a risk of falling ill if he or she happens to consume the tap water.
 The residents appealed the Public Health Engineering authorities to look into the matter on priority basis.
 However, the PHE officials refuted the public allegations.
 “There’s no chance of water supply being contaminated… Because presently we are giving them Rangil water, which is extremely potable and confirms to all safety standards,” the Executive Engineer PHE, Srinagar Rafi Ahmed Malik told Greater Kashmir.
 He said there was some problem during summers which was solved by shifting the supplies to the Rangil source.
 Over a question on foul smell, the official said: “Every source has its own taste.”
 “Alastaing has its own taste. Similarly Rangil water has its own taste,” he explained.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST