KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Mar 13: The Rs 161.201 crore water supply project, aimed at providing sustainable drinking water to Srinagar, remains stalled due to the lack of financial backing, the government informed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
The ambitious project, which involves laying, testing, and commissioning of a raw water main from Preng to Rangil, has been caught in bureaucratic and financial limbo, with no clear timeline for execution.
Responding to a query raised by MLA Batamaloo, Tariq Hameed Karra, the government acknowledged that while the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared, it is yet to be approved. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department has granted clearance, but approvals from the Forest, Wildlife, Soil Conservation, and Environment Departments are still pending.
Officials stated that without a dedicated funding mechanism, the project remains indefinitely delayed, raising serious concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing Srinagar’s growing water crisis.
Rising Water Demand, No Infrastructure Boost
Srinagar, witnessing rapid urban expansion and population growth, has been struggling with water shortages, particularly during peak summer months. Residents have expressed frustration over the government’s failure to prioritize critical water infrastructure projects.
“A project of this scale should not be stalled due to financial constraints. The government must explore all possible funding avenues, including central assistance,” said a local resident. Tauseef Ahmad, another resident, criticized successive governments for making repeated assurances without concrete action.
“Every summer, we face water shortages, yet critical projects like this remain indefinitely delayed,” lamented Irfan Rasool, a resident from downtown Srinagar.
With no funding plan in sight and crucial departmental clearances still awaited, the future of the project remains uncertain, leaving Srinagar’s residents worried about their access to clean drinking water in the coming years.
