Jammu, February 04- :-As winter tightens its grip, Jammu and Kashmir face a severe dual crisis, with the Kashmir region suffering from prolonged electricity shortages and Jammu battling an acute water scarcity. The worsening situation has left residents distressed, as power cuts stretch for hours and water supply remains erratic at best.
In Jammu city, the water crisis has hit alarming levels. Entire localities, including Channi and Bhatindi, receive water just once a week for barely 30 minutes, leaving people scrambling for alternatives. Other areas, such as Roopnagar, Chinore, Janipur, and Kot Bhalwal, are no better off, with residents describing drinking water as a luxury rather than a necessity.
With official supply systems failing, people are increasingly relying on private water tankers, which come at exorbitant rates ranging from ₹800 to ₹1,000 per tanker. The water barely lasts for a couple of days, pushing residents to the brink of desperation. The situation has paved the way for a flourishing water mafia, which is exploiting the crisis for financial gain.
“We are paying a fortune for something that should be a basic right,” lamented a resident of Channi, echoing the sentiments of thousands across the city.
The worsening crisis has triggered widespread frustration, with residents demanding immediate intervention from authorities. They urge the administration to ensure an uninterrupted water supply and take strict action against those profiting from people’s suffering.
As the crisis deepens with no relief in sight, one question remains—how long will the people of Jammu continue to suffer in silence?
