Defunct drainage system pesters Batamaloo residents

Srinagar, Nov 4: Residents of various areas of Batamaloo locality here have expressed resentment against failure of authorities to restore defunct drainage system in the area.

The residents of Firdousabad, Shah Faisal Abad and adjoining areas of Batamaloo said that the defunct drainage system is taking a toll on them. The aggrieved residents said that the drainage system in their areas has been defunct for the past three years, and authorities are not addressing the long pending issue.

They said that the drainage network in these areas often chokes and spills over in residential areas. They said for years, they have reached out to authorities to repair the drainage by providing it with a proper outlet connection with the main drainage line adjacent to the areas.

“These drains in our area often choke, and the whole locality comes to a halt when stinking water spills over on roads. During downpour, drainage water seeps into our residential areas, causing problems to inhabitants,” said Manzoor Ahmad, a local.

The locals said that they reached out to authorities, but the project never started despite the passage of three years.

“During summer, there is foul smell all over the area, and during winter the area turns into a cesspool due to waterlogging,” said another local.

The locals said that amid defunct drainage followed by waterlogging, pedestrians are unable to walk in these areas.

“Elderly and commuters also suffer due to the defunct drainage system. We are unable to venture out when these drains choke. We hope that authorities will soon address the issue without further delay,” locals said.

An official from SMC’s drainage circle said that they have made the DPR of the project and are awaiting approval from the competent authority.

“Work on the project will start once we get administrative and technical approval, which we are expecting soon. Once we are done with these approvals, we will float tenders and start work soon after that,” said the official.