Mendhar, Dec 13(KNS): Around 20,000 people in three panchayats of Fazalabad in the Surankote area of Poonch district continue to face an acute drinking water shortage as a lift water supply scheme approved four years ago remains non-functional, locals said.

The Rice Mill Chitti Marg lift water supply scheme, sanctioned at a cost of ?3.26 crore under the government’s Har Ghar Nal Har Ghar Jal initiative, was aimed at providing potable water to the area.

However, residents alleged that the project has not been implemented on the ground despite claims of completion.

Former sarpanch Arif Khan said he sought details of the project’s progress from the concerned contractor, who claimed that the work had been completed. “The situation on the ground is entirely different.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelPeople are still deprived of drinking water,” he said.

Villagers alleged that the scheme has failed to supply water to households, raising questions over the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission in the area.

When contacted, an official of the Jal Shakti Department in Surankote said that pipes had been laid in accordance with the detailed project report (DPR). The official said the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme has been non-operational for the past year as some mechanical work remains pending.

“A communication has been sent to higher authorities for approval. Once a response is received, the remaining work will be completed,” the official said.(KNS).