Jagti Inmates Raise Alarm Over Continuous Water Crisis, Demand Immediate Relief

Jammu, Sept 6: Residents of the Jagti transit camp have voiced strong concerns over a persistent water shortage that has affected daily life for families living in the camp. Camp inmates say intermittent or no piped water supply, low-pressure distribution and long gaps between tanker deliveries are forcing people to wait for hours and ration water strictly for drinking and basic hygiene.

What Inmates Say

Several families in the camp described a dire situation where children, elderly residents and patients are facing hardship. One local resident told our correspondent that many households now depend on irregular tanker supplies and have been forced to borrow water from neighbours. “We wake up early and stand in long queues when water tankers arrive. Sometimes tankers don’t come for two or three days,” said a resident, requesting anonymity.

Women residents highlighted additional difficulties: maintaining sanitation, washing utensils and clothes, and ensuring drinking water for children have become daily struggles. Camp volunteers also reported growing frustration among families as the crisis has continued for multiple weeks.

Health & Sanitation Concerns

Health workers and local volunteers warned that prolonged water shortages can lead to public-health risks, including outbreaks of water-borne diseases, especially in densely populated transit camps. Senior residents urged authorities to ensure uninterrupted chlorinated drinking water supplies and to step up hygiene awareness until the situation normalises.

Administration Response — What Has Been Done

District officials acknowledged receipt of multiple complaints and said steps are being taken to address the immediate lack of water. An official from the municipal water department informed that additional tankers have been scheduled and that engineers are diagnosing interruptions in the distribution network. The administration said repair crews are working on damaged mains and pump-sets in nearby supply zones that feed the camp.

However, camp residents say that tanker timings remain irregular and that the quantity provided is insufficient to meet the needs of large families. They pressed for a reliable schedule, increased number of tankers, and a temporary elevated storage solution to ensure 24x7 availability.

Appeals & Demands

Immediate measures: Regularised tanker schedule, additional tankers, and emergency elevated storage tanks inside the camp.
Technical fixes: Fast-track repair of damaged mains and replacement of faulty pump-sets with priority funds.
Long-term planning: Strengthening the camp’s internal distribution system, installing borewells or booster pumps where feasible, and setting up community water points.
Transparency: Daily progress updates from the water department so residents can plan and reduce anxiety.

Voices from the Ground

Community leaders and camp volunteers urged faster action. A camp committee member said: “Our priority is the health and dignity of residents. We are not asking for luxuries — just consistent access to safe water.”

Local NGOs have offered to help with short-term relief by arranging water containers and raising awareness on safe water storage. Volunteers also asked the administration to coordinate closely with civic agencies to avoid duplication and to ensure supplies reach the most vulnerable households first.

Background & Context

Jagti is a transit/resettlement camp housing many families who depend on shared infrastructure and public services. Such camps are particularly vulnerable when municipal networks are disrupted due to pipeline damage, power failures that affect pump operation, or seasonal supply stress. Experts say that a combination of emergency action plus structural upgrades is necessary to prevent recurrence.

What Officials Say Next

Officials said they will convene a joint meeting with the camp committee, municipal engineers, and disaster management personnel to finalise an emergency response plan. They promised to increase tanker deliveries and to carry out immediate repairs within 48–72 hours, subject to material and workforce availability.

Source: Based on reporting by Daily Excelsior (Read original)

Labels: Jagti Camp, Water Crisis, Jammu, Transit Camp, Public Health

Tags: #Jagti #WaterShortage #Jammu #PublicHealth #TransitCamp

Disclaimer: This article is a rewritten summary based on reporting by Daily Excelsior. Jammu News Portal does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of external content.