Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 23: Launching a sharp attack on the Omar Abdullah-led NC Government, Jammu East MLA Yudhvir Sethi today highlighted the worsening water crisis in six Panchayats of his constituency.
Addressing a press conference, Sethi said the issue was not being raised for political mileage but as a public representative, who is duty bound to raise the genuine grievances of the people. He strongly criticized the functioning of the PHE Department, both civil and mechanical wings, accusing officials of failing to respond to repeated calls.
“People are continuously trying to contact officials, but their phones are not even being answered. This shows the level of negligence and insensitivity towards public suffering,” he said.
Sethi pointed out that the crisis was particularly alarming during the holy months of Ramadan and Navratri, when the demand for water increases. Despite claims by the Omar Abdullah–led NC Government that water supply systems are functioning efficiently, residents continued to struggle, especially during Ramadan and now during Navratri, he alleged.
Detailing the situation across various areas, Sethi highlighted that in Majeen, Sidhra, and Rogoora, the pump transformer has damaged, resulting in no water supply. In Jagti-Tanda, residents have not received water for over one and a half years, forcing them to rely on tankers. In Antham, water is supplied only once in fortnight, compelling residents to spend money on private tankers to meet their daily needs. In Bajalta’s Ward No. 1 and Kooper, water supply has been disrupted for the past 20 days due to a faulty motor, with no repair action taken so far. Similar complaints were raised from Pengali, Dhammi, and Tota Di Khui, where motors have remained non-functional for several days. In Upper Khanna Shargal and Mohali Sinduri village, residents are still waiting for proper water pipeline infrastructure.
Calling the situation “unprecedented,” Sethi said it was the first time people were forced to struggle for water during major religious occasions. He accused the Government of ignoring the issue and failing to hold officials accountable. He urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the PHE Minister to take immediate corrective measures.
“We will raise this issue in the Assembly session, and if the Government still fails to act, we will Gherao the PHE Department. I will continue to fight for my people until they receive proper water supply,” he said.
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