Defunct drainage system irks Iqbalabad residents

Srinagar, May 6: Frequent blockage of drainage system at Iqbalabad area of Bemina locality is causing immense inconvenience to locals

The locals said that due to lack of effective maintenance and cleaning of the drains, waste water accumulates on the road and also seeps into homes.

The aggrieved locals said that during downpour, rainwater collects on the road hindering the movement of the locals there.

“There is an unbearable odour around due to cesspool triggered by continuous waterlogging. It hinders the movement of locals and can invite various waterborne diseases. We hope that the authorities will ensure maintenance of the drain so that we don’t suffer,” Imtiyaz Ahmad, a local, said.

A local living in Lane No. 3 of the colony said that multiple families living there face major issues. They said that due to incessant rains for the past few weeks, they have suffered immensely.

“We cannot move out properly due to the issue. The elderly and children are suffering the most. The worshipers face immense problems when they venture out for daily prayers at the masjid,” said another local.

They further said that the residents are suffering the consequences of the drain's non-cleaning. They said that a few months ago, the residents brought the issue of the blocked drain to the attention of the concerned authorities, but no steps have been taken to provide relief to the residents.

The aggrieved said that in addition to suffering of the local population, the students studying in nearby schools have to pass through waterlogged streets to reach their educational institute.

“These young students are facing immense problems, and we want administrators to take the matter seriously. We don’t want this issue to affect the studies of our children,” residents said.

An official from SMC’s drainage wing said that he would look into the issue. “Since the issue has been brought to our notice, we will ensure that it is fixed without any delay,” said the official.