Vikar Shah
Kishtwar, (DD): In a grim reflection of rural neglect, students of the Government Upper Primary School in Kurya village, Kishtwar, have allegedly stopped attending classes due to the complete absence of drinking water in the school — and the area at large.
Despite the school having six posted teachers, attendance has plummeted. Teachers have been pleading with families to send their children back, but locals say they cannot risk their children’s health in such conditions.
“How can we send our kids to a school where they can’t even get a sip of water? There’s no water in the school, and the entire village is facing the same issue,” said Ghulam Nabi, a resident and father of two school-going children.
The water crisis, locals say, is not new — but this is the first time it has directly impacted school attendance.
“We respect the teachers. They are trying their best. But what can they do if there’s no water supply? Would anyone in authority send their own children to study like this?” asked Shabnum Jan, another parent.
The school, which serves more than 40 children, has alleged no provision for safe drinking water, and repeated pleas to the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department and education authorities have gone unanswered, villagers allege.
“It’s not just the school — the whole village is suffering. Our hand pumps are dry, and no water tankers have been sent. We are tired of empty promises,” said Abdul Majeed, an elderly villager.
Residents are now urging the district administration to intervene urgently and restore water supply, warning that continued inaction will permanently damage the educational future of their children.(DD)
