Caved-in portion of Burzahama-Hazratbal road hits vehicular movement

Srinagar, May 20: Caved-in road on the Burzahama-Hazratbal route on the stretch opposite the receiving station is causing inconvenience to commuters and locals in the area.

The locals said the problem is compounded by a lack of drainage system. Commuters said that the road has developed huge potholes and vehicles get damaged after passing over the dilapidated road. The locals said that a few years back, authorities installed a hand pump, and its water was declared unfit for drinking. They said that for years, the waters from the hand pump have been overflowing on the road, turning it into a cesspool with massive potholes.

“These potholes are so deep that the bottom of the vehicle gets hit while crossing. Our vehicles are getting damaged, and the whole road stretch has turned into a cesspool. This issue is posing a threat to both commuters and pedestrians in the area. It is hard to cross the caved-in road on two-wheelers as there are deep potholes full of water,” said Adil Ahmad, a commuter.

The locals said that many e-rickshaws, two-wheelers, and other vehicles had narrow escapes many times. They said that they would suffer unless proper drainage was provided and the issue fixed.

“Unless the overflowing hand pump is plugged, the road will not be fixed. This has to be filled properly so that it is made motorable,” said another local.

The shopkeepers in the area said that customers avoid visiting their shops due to the dilapidated state of the road and ankle-high waterlogging.

“The elderly and children are unable to walk on the road. We already have very minimal electricity, and the road is all dark after sunset. There is a risk of accidents for pedestrians due to potholes. We appeal to authorities to fix this issue without any delay,” said Bilal Ahmad, a local

An official from SMC said that unless the handpump is fixed, the road is impossible to fix.

Chief Engineer PHE Vivek Kohli said that he would look into the issue and address it accordingly.

“I will follow it up with the concerned officer on the ground so that it can be addressed accordingly,” Kohli said.