Shopian, April 11: Residents of Babnad village in south Kashmir’s Shopian district say they are being forced to use contaminated water, raising fears of a potential outbreak of water-borne diseases in the area.
According to locals, muddy water has been flowing from taps for several weeks, making it unfit not only for drinking but even for basic household use. Many households said they have no alternative source and are compelled to rely on the same supply despite visible contamination.
“The water is not suitable for doing laundry, let alone consuming it,” said Iftikhar Hussain, a resident of the village. He said the problem has persisted for weeks without any effective intervention from the authorities.
Residents said the condition of the water has deteriorated to the point where it often appears brown and carries visible sediments. They fear that continued consumption could lead to serious health problems, especially among children and the elderly.
Several residents expressed concern about the possible outbreak of diseases such as jaundice, diarrhoea and other water-borne infections.
“We are worried about our health. If this continues, it may trigger an epidemic in the village,” another resident said.
Locals said they have raised the issue with the concerned departments multiple times, but no concrete steps have been taken so far to address the problem. They demanded immediate intervention to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water.
Public health experts have repeatedly warned that contaminated water supplies can significantly increase the risk of infectious diseases, particularly in rural areas with limited healthcare access.
The residents have urged the district administration to take urgent measures, including inspection of the water supply system and provision of safe drinking water, to prevent any health crisis in the area.
