Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the neglect by local authorities to address basic necessities continues to exacerbate hardships for the residents. In particular, severe issues such as water scarcity and the suspension of public transportation significantly impact daily life.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the residents of Srinagar’s Batamaloo area are grappling with an acute shortage of drinking water amid a severe heat wave. Localities such as Mirabad, Salfia Colony, Khan Colony, Firdousabad, SD Colony, Mominabad, and nearby areas including Bypass, Solina, and Aalochibagh face continuous water supply interruptions. “Amid the heat wave, we are facing severe water scarcity. Our taps are dry most of the time, and despite repeated requests to the authorities, our issues remain unaddressed,” the residents expressed their distress. They also raised concerns about water contamination, which has reportedly led to illnesses.

In the northern town of Baramulla, specifically in the Boniyar area, the residents are suffering after the suspension of passenger vehicle services following a fatal road accident on January 31 that resulted in ten deaths. Six months after the tragedy, not only has the area struggled to recover, but the residents also face an undeclared suspension of bus services, compounding their difficulties. Ghulam Rasool Mir, a local resident, shared that the lack of vehicle services forced community members to transport the injured and carry essential goods over long distances on foot. “A road mishap should not result in the deprivation of essential services like passenger transport,” he stated.