Sopore, Mar 11 (JKNS): In a swift move to address an emerging water crisis in the outskirts of his constituency, MLA Irshad Rasool Kar commissioned a high-capacity pontoon pump at the Nowpora Sopore water sourcing point here on Wednesday.
The new pump, installed at a cost of approximately nine lakh rupees, is expected to provide immediate relief to several hamlets that have been facing acute shortages due to recurring technical failures.
Speaking to media after the installation, MLA Kar stated that the interim measure was necessitated after frequent mechanical breakdowns paralyzed the existing system. “The department was completely paralyzed following the last motor damage, leaving the adjoining areas high and dry. This pontoon is an urgent intervention to restore supply,” he said.
The MLA highlighted that the crisis was exacerbated after the original source for the Model Town area was diverted and subsequently cut off following a scheme’s realignment to the river Jhelum.
Acknowledging the infrastructural limitations, MLA Kar noted that the existing filtration plant at the site has inadequate capacity. “Until the filtration plant is upgraded, proper drinking water cannot be ensured,” he asserted, while adding that pontoon systems are the “best alternative” for water-scarce locations as they can be adjusted to fluctuating water levels in wells across various schemes, including Watlab and Sher Colony.
Locals thanked MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar, saying, “In a short time period, our long pending demand has been fulfilled by our MLA.” The local populace thanked the support of PHE and Mechanical Department officials who addressed this issue in a very short time period.
The local populace requested the MLA, “We need a filtration plant, and then we will use filtered water.” MLA assured the local populace, “We will upgrade this scheme and fulfill your dreams.
The event was attended by AEE Jameel Ahmad Sheikh, Mechanical Phe Sub Division Sopore, AE Javid Iqbal, Aiman Azad, JE Mechanical Sub Division Sopore, JE Faisal Punjabi, Mechanical Phe Sub division Sopore, AE Izhaar Ahmad, Phe Sopore, JE Zahid Bashir, Phe Sopore, DO Fruit Mandi Sopore Khalid Hussain, and Mir Engeneerings who installed the pontoon Water Pump. (JKNS)