Srinagar: Residents of Baramulla are facing acute water shortages, a longstanding issue that has recently intensified, leading to public protests. The community is struggling with a lack of access to clean drinking water, forcing many to rely on purchased mineral water for daily use.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the local filtration plant in Baramulla, which has been non-operational for several years, is at the heart of the crisis. Malik Shabir, General Secretary of Auqaf Islamia in Khanpora, highlighted the community’s frustrations, noting that the water supply problems have persisted despite a tender issued six years ago intended to address these issues. The project stalled due to financial disagreements between the contractor and management, leaving residents without reliable access to potable water.

The situation has compelled local women to protest, demanding immediate restoration of water services. The water that is occasionally available is reportedly impure, adding to the residents’ grievances. The Department of Public Health Engineering has recently indicated that the resolution of these problems is imminent, yet the community remains skeptical given the prolonged duration of the crisis.