Dilapidated Bachi Darwaza-Islamia College road irks residents

Srinagar, June 9: The residents of Bachi Darwaza and its adjoining areas have decried the dilapidated conditions of the major link road in the area.

The residents said that years have passed, but the road stretch connecting Hawal, Islamia College, and Makhdoom Sahib (RA) locality is in shambles.

The residents said that the issue, compounded by defunct drainage, has triggered waterlogging on the dilapidated road, crippling traffic and pedestrian movement. They said that the road is adjacent to the revered Makhdoom Sahab (RA) shrine and Islamia College and caters to hundreds of students and devotees.

“On a daily basis, these students and devotees have a tough time in navigating along the area. The commuters on two-wheelers and other vehicles face a tough time owning to the bad condition of the road,” said Feroz Ahmad, a local.

Residents said that despite multiple requests to the authorities, no steps were taken to fix the roads. They said that amid downpours, the road turns into a cesspool, which hinders pedestrian movement as well.

“There is a graveyard adjacent to the road, and during any burial, we face a tough time. We have elderly and children here who are facing a tough time due to the issue. Despite repeated requests, authorities are not batting an eye,” said Nazir Ahmad, another local.

The locals also said that in addition to the road issue, the defunct drainage has taken a toll on them. Drainage water spills over onto the road, making the condition worse.

“There are huge cesspools in the middle of the road, and our vehicle gets damaged due to the bad road. We have to spend money on repeated repairs and car washes as authorities are sleeping into the issue. The SMC authorities should take up the issue and address it on a priority basis,” said Saqib Hameed, a commuter.

SMC Commissioner who is also CEO of Srinagar Smart City Ltd (SSCL) did not respond to multiple calls from this reporter for his comments on the issue.