Residents of Ritti Panchayat Face Severe Water Crisis Eight Months After Floods
Residents of Ritti Panchayat are enduring a severe water crisis, more than eight months after devastating floods hit Udhampur district. Despite efforts to restore water projects, the pipeline supplying water to the village remains unrepaired, forcing villagers to trek long distances daily for drinking water. This situation has placed immense pressure on families, particularly affecting women and the elderly. Local residents are calling on authorities to expedite the repair of the water supply system, as they continue to struggle with the lack of access to this essential resource. The community's plight highlights the ongoing challenges faced in the aftermath of the floods.
| Jan 16, 2026, 18:04 IST
Ongoing Water Supply Issues in Ritti Panchayat
More than eight months have passed since devastating floods struck parts of Udhampur district, yet residents of Ward 1 in Ritti Panchayat continue to grapple with a critical water shortage. Despite the restoration of most water projects damaged by the floods by the Water Resources Department, the pipeline supplying water to Ritti village remains unrepaired. Consequently, villagers are forced to walk one to two kilometers daily to fetch drinking water, severely impacting their daily lives, particularly for women and the elderly.
Local Residents Share Their Struggles
Local inhabitants have expressed that this prolonged disruption has placed a significant burden on families. Women are compelled to leave their domestic responsibilities and young children behind to collect water from distant sources. One resident stated, 'There is a severe shortage of water in our village... Women have to walk 1-2 kilometers to fetch water. We urge the authorities to expedite the resumption of the water supply pipeline in our area.'
Community Voices Highlight the Crisis
Another villager emphasized the lengthy duration of this challenging situation, noting that their community has been without regular water supply for nearly eight months. They remarked, 'My issue is that there is no water in my area, and we have to travel one or two kilometers to bring water, leaving our household chores and small children behind... Forget about taps; even wells have dried up... We are not complaining, but our homes have not had water for eight months.'