Shadow Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 23:
Launching a sharp attack on the Omar Abdullah-led NC government, Jammu East MLA Yudhvir Sethi on Monday highlighted the worsening water crisis in six panchayats of his constituency, accusing the J&K UT Government and administration of failing to ensure basic amenities for the public. Addressing a press conference attended by residents and representatives from six affected panchayats, Sethi said the issue was not being raised for political mileage but as a public representative, it was his duty to raise the genuine grievances of the people. However, he did not hold back in criticizing the NC government, stating that its claims of efficient water supply systems have “completely collapsed on the ground.”
He alleged that the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department has become non-functional, with officials failing to respond to repeated calls from residents. He strongly criticized the functioning of the PHE Department, both civil and mechanical wings, accusing officials of failing to respond to repeated calls. “People are continuously trying to contact officials, but their phones are not even being answered. This shows the level of negligence and insensitivity towards public suffering,” he said.
Sethi pointed out that the crisis was particularly alarming during the holy months of Ramadan and Navratri, when the demand for water increases. Despite claims by the Omar Abdullah–led NC Government that water supply systems are functioning efficiently, residents continued to struggle, especially during Ramadan and now during Navratri
“The NC government makes big promises in the Assembly, but on the ground, the reality is entirely different. These promises have turned out to be hollow,” he remarked.
Detailing the situation across various areas, Sethi highlighted that in Majeen, Sidhra, and Rogoora, the pump transformer has damaged, resulting in no water supply. In Jagti-Tanda, residents have reportedly not received water for over one and a half years, forcing them to rely on tankers. In Antham, water is supplied only once every 15 days, compelling residents to spend money on private tankers to meet their daily needs. In Bajalta’s Ward No. 1 and Kooper, water supply has been disrupted for the past 20 days due to a faulty motor, with no repair action taken so far. Similar complaints were raised from Pengali, Dhammi, and Tota Di Khui, where motors have remained non-functional for several days. In Upper Khanna Shargal and Mohali Sinduri village, residents are still waiting for proper water pipeline infrastructure. Calling the situation “unprecedented,” Sethi said it was the first time people were forced to struggle for water during major religious occasions. He accused the government of ignoring the issue and failing to hold officials accountable.
He urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the PHE Minister to take immediate corrective measures. Warning of strong action, Sethi said, “We will raise this issue in the forthcoming Assembly session, and if the government still fails to act, we will Gherao the PHE Department.
I will continue to fight for my people until they receive proper water supply.”
Residents present at the press conference supported his claims and demanded urgent action to restore regular water supply in their areas.
