No public drinking water point in Kupwara town

Kupwara does not have a single public drinking water point, and the local municipal committee has not been able to find a place for setting up one for the bustling border town.

Residents, shoppers and people who do business or work inthe town say they have to buy water bottles from the market or beg hoteliers orat kiosks for a glass of water.

   

“The lack of drinking water facilities in the town iscreating problems for the people, especially those coming from far flung areasof this district, who have to buy water bottles to quench their thirst,” saidRashid Ahmad of Kralpora.

“The authorities have spent 17 lakh rupees for theconstruction of a fountain at the Regipora chowk which is only used at the timeof VIP movement. They could have also spent two lakhs for a water point for therelief of poor people.”

People from more than 200 villages visit Kupwara town dailyfor business, medical care, shopping, official duty and wage work.

“No one from the district administration asks MCK (MunicipalCommittee Kupwara) authorities that why it is taking decades to locate a sitefor a drinking water point for common people,” Ahmad said.

“We approached the MCK authorities many times. They told usthat it is because of the lack of funds,” said Showket Masoodi who heads alocal civil society group.

“Authorities in the administration should look into thematter because it is for the welfare of common people.”

The Executive Officer of MCK, Farooq Ahmad said there was adearth of free space in the border town.

“I assure you that soon the construction will be started toprovide drinking water facility to the people,” he said.

Deputy Development Commissioner for the district, AnshulGarg put the ball in MCK’s court.

“Still I will ask the Chairman MCK to construct them (publicwater points) as soon as possible,” Garg said.

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