Srinagar, Feb 18: Residents of several villages in the Mawer area of north Kashmir have alleged large-scale irregularities in the execution of the Dongosa Prongro water supply scheme, claiming that despite the release of crores of rupees, they are still forced to drink contaminated water.

 

The residents stated that three separate schemes have been launched since 2007 to provide clean drinking water to the region, but none have yielded results. The affected villages include Prongro, Warpora, Kharpora, Adora, Chak Adora, Dongosa, Omarabad Lam, and News Basti.

 

According to locals, the central government released Rs 2.31 crore in 2022 and 2023 for the Dongosa Prongro water supply scheme, which was intended to cover these areas. However, they alleged that only minimal repair work on the main pipeline and some fencing was carried out.

 

"They (contractors and some department employees) worked at selected locations just to withdraw funds, after which the scheme was declared closed on the grounds that its time period had expired," a resident from Dongosa said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

 

The residents further pointed out that approximately 10 major pipelines have been laid from water sources near their villages to supply hundreds of other areas. Ironically, they said, the villages located in close proximity to these pipelines remain without access to safe drinking water.

 

Locals have expressed concern over rising health risks as families continue to depend on unsafe water from the Nala Mawar. They have appealed to the administration to order a thorough inquiry into the alleged irregularities and fix responsibility.

 

An appeal has also been made to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and ensure the immediate provision of clean drinking water to the affected villages.