TIMERGARA, Aug 13: Residents of different villages of Talash on Monday complained that government-run water supply schemes had been non-functional for the last one month with authorities concerned doing nothing to solve the problem despite repeated complaints.

Talking to journalists the area residents said due to drought and harsh weather this year natural springs and open wells in their areas had dried up.

“Decades old springs of water in Talash have dried up this year,” said Taj Mohammad, a local, adding underground water table had also gone lower as compared to the past.

Residents said majority of population in Talash especially in Soghalay, Bangay, Ziarat, Bajauro, Tekas, Kalpani and Khat Kalay depended on water being supplied by government tube-wells run by electricity.

They said due to prolonged power outages and low voltage water supply schemes in those areas had been non-functional for the last one month.

The closure of these schemes, they said had led to acute shortage of water in houses, mosques and markets.

They said authorities concerned were contacted time and again but to no avail.

The residents demanded of the District Coordination Officer Mahmood Aslam Wazir to take notice of the situation and direct the Wapda and water supply and sanitation departments to make the schemes functional.

SHOT DEAD: A man was shot dead by unknown people at Amlok Dara Talash on Sunday night, police and residents told Dawn.

They said the victim, identified as Noor Habib, was cutting wood in the nearby hills when the incident occurred.

Relatives started searching him when he did not return home by Monday, sources said, adding he was found dead in the hill.

Cause of the crime could not be ascertained as the deceased had no enmity with anyone. The Talash police registered a case and started investigation.

MINOR KILLED: A speeding car hit and killed a baby girl at Chakdara bazaar on Monday evening, police and eyewitnesses told Dawn.

They said driver of the car escaped the scene while the Chakdara police took the vehicle into custody and registered a case against the driver.

Residents said the driver tried to take away the car after the crime.

However locals intercepted the car by blocking its way, they said, adding the driver took advantage of the rush and disappeared.

The baby hailing from Chitral had come here with her mother.