Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Sep 08 : Srinagar city is currently grappling with an unprecedented water crisis, as residents across multiple localities continue to face severe shortages despite repeated assurances from authorities.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), from Batamaloo and Khanyar to Lal Bazaar, Nawa Kadal, Bemina, and parts of the outskirts, including Bagh-e-Methab, people are enduring long waits for water tankers or resorting to unsafe, muddy water sources.
On September 5, 2025, officials said the disruption was due to recent flood-like conditions in the valley, which caused increased cloudiness in water sources and affected supply from several treatment plants.
The district administration of Srinagar had also announced a dedicated helpline to assist residents and assured that water supply would be restored that very day. However, days have passed, and little has changed.
Ambreena Anjum, Superintending Engineer (SE), Srinagar-Ganderbal, had previously claimed that water supply in the affected areas would resume that night. Yet, the problem persists, with taps remaining dry long after.
When contacted on September 5, the PHE exchange helpline officials reiterated that supply would be restored “by late evening”, a promise residents now see as routine and unfulfilled. “We have multiple complaints. Requests for tanker services are pending, and it’s impossible to send tankers everywhere,” said an official after KNO asked about the ongoing water shortage in one of the affected areas.
The crisis has already led to protests. Last month, residents of Batamaloo blocked the main road, accusing authorities of ignoring their suffering. “We have been without water for weeks. Our children go to school without bathing, and our kitchens are dry. How long should we wait?” questioned Ghulam Rasool, a local.
Residents also allege favouritism in tanker distribution. “Tankers are sent selectively, often to VIP zones, while common people suffer. Even when tankers arrive, they cannot serve hundreds of households with a single round,” said a woman from Lal Bazaar. In several uptown areas, including Bemina and Hyderpora, residents report that muddy, foul-smelling water has been flowing from taps for weeks. “This is untreated water, unfit even for washing clothes, let alone drinking. We are being pushed towards diseases,” said Mohammad Ashraf of Bemina.
Despite repeated assurances, residents remain unconvinced. “Every time, they promise water by evening, but the evening passes, and the taps stay dry. Authorities are testing our patience,” said Nazir Ahmad of Nowhatta.
When contacted, PHE Chief Engineer Er Rakesh Gupta said he would personally speak with the exchange officials and officers, promising to take steps once he fully understands the situation—(KNO)
