Shopian Villagers Deprived of Basic Amenities for Seven Years, Urge Authorities for Action
Srinagar, Feb 13, KNT: Residents of Nagahad Babapora, a Gujjar basti in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, have been struggling without access to drinking water and electricity for the past seven years, forcing them to live in dire conditions. Despite repeated pleas to authorities, their grievances remain unaddressed, prompting fresh appeals to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian and the local Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for immediate intervention.
The affected villagers, mostly from the economically weaker Gujjar community, lament that their repeated representations to government officials have yielded no results. They allege that successive administrations have ignored their plight, leaving them to endure an existence devoid of basic necessities.
One of the most pressing concerns in Nagahad Babapora is the acute scarcity of drinking water. Residents claim that they are forced to fetch water from distant streams and springs, a practice fraught with difficulties, especially during the harsh winter months. The lack of a proper water supply has not only affected daily life but also raised serious health concerns due to the consumption of untreated water.
“We have been demanding a functional water supply scheme for years, but nothing has been done so far. Women and children walk several kilometers daily to fetch water, which is unsafe and often contaminated,” said Abdul Rehman, a local resident.
Adding to their woes, Nagahad Babapora remains in darkness as the village has been without electricity for the past seven years. The absence of a power supply has severely impacted education, healthcare, and overall quality of life. Students struggle to study after sunset, and the lack of electricity has hampered access to modern communication and development opportunities.
“We are living in medieval times. Our children cannot study at night, and we are cut off from the rest of the world. It is disheartening that in this day and age, we are still deprived of electricity,” said another resident, Mohammad Yousuf.
Villagers claim that they have approached the concerned departments multiple times but have received only hollow assurances. They allege that officials conduct surveys and inspections but fail to implement any concrete solutions.
“Our patience is running out. We have been pleading for help for years, but nothing changes. We urge the Deputy Commissioner and the MLA to visit our village and see our hardships firsthand,” urged a local elder.
The residents of Nagahad Babapora are now demanding immediate action from the authorities to resolve their long-standing issues. They are calling for the implementation of a proper drinking water scheme and the extension of electricity infrastructure to their village.
As frustration mounts, locals warn that they may resort to protests if their demands are not met soon. “We have been patient for too long. If the administration continues to neglect us, we will be left with no choice but to take to the streets,” a resident cautioned.
The situation in Nagahad Babapora highlights the persistent infrastructure gaps in rural Kashmir, where several villages continue to grapple with fundamental issues. Whether the authorities will finally address the grievances of these residents remains to be seen.
