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Faulty hand pump installation sparks outrage in Salotri Panchayat, Poonch

  • Sarfraz Chak By Sarfraz Chak
  • Comments 0
  • 13 Apr 2026

Poonch, Apr 12: Serious concerns have emerged from Ward No. 8 of Salotri Panchayat in Poonch district after a recently installed mechanical hand pump failed to supply water, leaving residents and schoolchildren struggling to access safe drinking water.

 

According to local residents, the hand pump was installed under a development initiative aimed at addressing the acute water shortage in the area. However, they allege that the contractor carried out the installation in haste around March 31, allegedly to clear the project bill, without completing the necessary technical work.

 

Locals claimed that although a structure for the hand pump was erected at a cost of around ₹3.5 lakh under the PRI initiative, no pipes were installed inside the pump, due to which no water is coming out of it. Soon after installation, the pump reportedly became loose and broke from its position, raising questions about the quality of the work and supervision.

 

Residents said the situation has forced people—particularly schoolchildren—to travel several kilometres to fetch drinking water, causing significant inconvenience and hardship in the area.

 

They further alleged that no officials from the concerned department visited the site during the installation process and that the contractor completed the work independently without proper monitoring.

 

When contacted, an engineer from the concerned department acknowledged that the pump could not be made functional earlier due to certain technical faults at the location.

 

The official assured that a plumber would be sent to the site soon and that the required pipes would be installed within the next two to three days to make the hand pump operational.

 

“The issue occurred due to some technical fault at the site, which is why the pipes were not installed earlier. A plumber will be deputed soon, and within two to three days the pipes will be installed so that water can be supplied to the residents,” the official said.

 

The engineer further clarified that the contractor has not yet been paid and that the payment will only be released once the work is completed properly and the hand pump becomes fully functional.

 

Meanwhile, residents of Salotri have demanded a thorough inquiry into the matter, urging authorities to ensure accountability and provide a permanent solution to the drinking water crisis faced by the local community and schoolchildren.

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