Srinagar, October 3: Women from Basant Bagh, Habakadal and Kralkhud areas of Srinagar staged a protest on Saturday over an acute shortage of drinking water, blocking a road in Kralkhud and affecting traffic movement.

The protesters said households in the affected areas have been facing prolonged disruptions in water supply, creating serious difficulties for residents. They said the situation had forced women to take to the streets to draw the authorities’ attention to the issue.

The road blockade disrupted vehicular movement in the area as the protesters demanded immediate action from the Jal Shakti Department and restoration of a regular water supply.

Residents said the shortage has added to the difficulties faced by families in the affected localities, particularly those dependent on the public water network for their daily requirements.

The protest follows recent concerns over intermittent water supply in parts of Srinagar, including Basant Bagh, Ganpatyar and nearby areas. Authorities had attributed the disruptions to fluctuations in raw-water availability and treatment-related constraints at the Rangil Water Treatment Plant.

Officials had also pointed out that several of the affected areas are located at the tail end of the distribution network, which can contribute to irregular supply during periods of reduced availability or operational constraints.

The protesters urged the administration and the Jal Shakti Department to intervene without delay and take steps to resolve the shortage.

They also called for a dependable drinking water supply to the affected areas so that residents do not have to face repeated disruptions in meeting their basic water requirements.