Commuters had to face tremendous hardships on Friday as the inhabitants of several villages blocked the Srinagar-Baramulla highway near Narbal to protest against the water scarcity in their area.Eye-witnesses told KNS that hundreds of vehicles were seen stranded after the residents of Goripora and Sozeith villages; including women, children, and men held a sit-in on the highway near Sozeith Bus stop.They said that the area witnesses massive traffic jam on both the highways.Earlier, the residents while chanting slogans against PHE department were demanding safe drinking water to them.The protesting residents said that they are facing tremendous hardships due to the non-availability of the safe drinking water in their area. “We are facing acute water shortage from past several days. The tanker services are provided to us but they always falls short of the demand,” the protesters alleged.They said that they were assured that the water supply to them will be supplied from Sukhnag Master Plan but unfortunately it is yet to be made functional.An official told KNS that they have pressed into service a regular tanker service to the area to end the sufferings of the inhabitants. “The village gets water supply from Rangil plant and that the supply takes a hit with increase in day temperature,” he said.Meanwhile, the residents later dispersed peacefully. (KNS)