More than eight months after devastating floods struck parts of Udhampur district in August, residents of Ward 1 in Ritti Panchayat are still facing a severe water crisis, as the village’s piped water supply remains non-functional.
Although the Jal Shakti Department has restored most flood-damaged water projects in the region, the piped system serving Ritti village has yet to be repaired. As a result, villagers are forced to walk one to two kilometres daily to fetch drinking water, severely affecting daily life—particularly for women and elderly residents.
Local residents said the prolonged disruption has placed a heavy burden on households. Women often have to leave domestic chores and young children behind to collect water from distant sources.
“There is a severe water shortage in our village. The women of the household have to walk 1–2 kilometres to fetch water. We appeal to the authorities to extend the piped water supply scheme to our area as soon as possible,” one resident said.
Another villager highlighted the long-standing nature of the hardship. “There is no water in my area, and we have to travel one or two kilometres to get it, leaving household chores and young children behind. Forget about taps—even the wells are dry. We’re not complaining, but we haven’t had water in our homes for eight months,” they said.
Responding to the concerns, Executive Engineer Sandeep Gupta of the Jal Shakti Department acknowledged the difficulties and explained the delay.
“After the floods in August and September, the water supply in Ritti was severely affected. We cannot restore it immediately because we lack the necessary materials, and our entire 700-meter-long pipeline was washed away. We have raised this issue with higher officials and expect to complete the restoration within the next 10–15 days,” Gupta said;……………..(Agencies)
