Kupwara, Oct 26: Residents of Gujarnar village in the Qaziabad area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district continue to struggle without basic amenities, with the absence of potable drinking water and mobile connectivity adding to their daily hardships and deteriorating electricity infrastructure posing safety risks.
Residents said repeated appeals to the district administration and public representatives had failed to yield any concrete action, leaving the remote habitation grappling with problems that have persisted despite their efforts to seek relief.
The lack of potable drinking water remains a major concern. Residents said Gujarnar was yet to receive the benefits of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide tap water to rural households.
They urged the authorities to extend the scheme to the village and ensure a reliable supply of drinking water.
The absence of mobile connectivity has further isolated residents, forcing them to travel several kilometres just to make a phone call.
“Whenever we need to make a call, we have to walk several kilometres outside the village to reach a place where our mobile phones receive a signal. Only then can we make a call,” former Sarpanch Salam Din said.
He said students were among the worst affected, as the lack of mobile internet restricted their access to online educational resources and learning opportunities.
Residents also raised concerns over dangling electricity wires and deteriorating power poles, saying the unsafe infrastructure posed a potential threat to public safety.
They alleged that the concerned department had failed to upgrade the electricity network despite repeated requests for intervention.
The residents have sought the immediate intervention of Additional Deputy Commissioner Handwara, urging the administration to address the shortage of basic amenities and ensure access to essential services in the village.
