Srinagar, Aug. 9 -- The affected localities include Hyderpora, Barzulla, Baghat, Humhama, Rawalpora, Gogjibagh, and several adjoining areas. Residents say the water has been arriving at their homes muddy, foul-smelling, and unsafe to drink, forcing many to either buy bottled water or risk consuming it.

Following repeated public complaints, staff at the facility confirmed that a shortage of alum - the key chemical used in sedimentation and filtration - had persisted for over two weeks.

Plant workers reportedly sent multiple letters to senior officers, warning of the crisis, but claimed no action was taken in time. Officials in the Procurement Division insisted the chemical was available, suggesting that mismanagement at the water works l...