Defunct drainage system pesters Batamaloo residents

Srinagar, Jan 22: Residents of multiple areas of Batamaloo locality expressed resentment against defunct drainage system saying it causes immense inconvenience to them.

The residents of Firdousabad and Shah Faisalabad of Batamaloo said that despite repeated requests, there has been no solution to the issue.

Molvi Habibullah, a senior member from the local welfare committee in the area said that the drainage system in Firdous Abad and Shah Faisal Abad area of Batamaloo Srinagar is in shambles. He said that the lack of proper connectivity of drainage to the main drainage network is taking a toll on them.

“We have been requesting authorities to connect these areas with a proper deep drainage system which is a few metres away from our area. When there is a downpour, authorities have to use dewatering pumps to address the issue. The problem can be resolved by just proper planning,” Habibullah said.

The residents said that the drainage network in the area often chokes and overflows in the residential area. “During summer, there is a foul smell all over the area. If it rains, the lanes get waterlogged and we face problems to venture out,” said Shabir Ahmad, a local.

The elderly in the area said that the basic drainage was laid down in the early 90s. “Since then, residential areas have seen population growth. At that time, most of the area was agricultural land, and water used to pass out easily. As the area got packed with residential houses, there was huge pressure on the existing drainage system. We want the drainage network in our area to be properly connected so that we don’t face waterlogging issues,” said another resident.

Sajad Ahmad, AEE SMC Drainage said that they will ensure to address the issue. “People should reach out to us with their grievances so that proper steps are taken in this regard. We have many projects in the plan, and our officials will visit the spot so that required steps can be taken to address the problem,” he said.