Dilapidated road pesters Zakura residents

Srinagar, Sep 13: The dilapidated road at Shah-e-Hamdan Colony Zakura is taking a toll on its residents.

The residents said that since two years they are waiting for road repairs, however, authorities have not taken any steps in this direction.

A delegation of residents told Greater Kashmir that drainage work was initiated in the area a few years back. They said that following that work, the road was dug up.

“It has been years since the drain was dug up and work was completed, but the road was left as it is. We are having a lot of issues due to potholes. It has become hard to navigate the area amid huge potholes and dilapidated road,” said Fuqaan Ahmad, a resident.

The residents said that several accidents occurred on the road due to potholes, leaving many people injured. They said that the issue is also taking a toll on the vehicle, and they have to make regular repairs.

“The authorities said that they will repair the road soon after the drainage is complete. Let alone blacktopping, the potholes were not even filled,” said another local.

The residents said that there are no public transport facilities near the colony's road, so they rely on Auto Rickshaws and private transport. They said that due to bad roads, no auto rickshaw operator agrees to enter the colony.

“Our children, elderly, and women are suffering due to this issue. The road is unsafe for light motor vehicles. That is why no transport operator enters our colony,” said another aggrieved.

The residents said that around a thousand households rely on this road stretch, which is around one kilometer long. They said during downpours, the issue gets worse due to the waterlogging of potholes. They appeal to the authorities to ensure that the road is repaired without further delay.

An official from SMC City Roads said that the work on the road has been approved at the departmental level.

“Our division has got approval for several road projects along with Shah-e-Hamdan colony road. We will proceed with all the formalities and start the work as soon as possible,” the official said.