Water crisis forces women to trek 3 km daily in Shopian villages

SHOPIAN, JANUARY 28 (KNT): A severe drinking water crisis has gripped several hamlets of south Kashmir’s Shopian district, forcing residents—particularly women—to walk nearly three kilometres every day to fetch water for the past one week.
Women from villages including Sedow, Bemnipora, Hajipora and Memandar have been carrying water on their shoulders, braving harsh conditions to meet basic household needs. Locals said the lack of potable water has disrupted daily life and added to their hardship.
Residents said the absence of a regular water supply has left families struggling, with women bearing the brunt of the crisis. Despite repeated appeals to the concerned authorities, they alleged that no effective steps have been taken so far to restore supply.
Villagers said access to safe drinking water is a basic necessity and prolonged neglect reflects administrative apathy. They warned that the situation could worsen if immediate remedial measures are not initiated.
The affected residents have urged the district administration to intervene without delay and provide a sustainable solution to the water shortage to end their daily ordeal. (KNT)