Dilapidated roads give tough time to commuters in Srinagar
Srinagar, May 5: Dilapidated roads in several areas of the summer capital are causing commuters to suffer, even as authorities have failed to repair major roads.
The locals said that despite massive development work under the Srinagar Smart City, the roads in various areas are in shambles. They said that even as the weather has improved, authorities have failed to undertake road repairs.
Residents of various areas of Srinagar said that they have been demanding repair of dilapidated roads at Pantha Chowk, Sempora, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Gojwara, Hawal, Zakura, and Burzahama.
“It has been a long time since we have been grappling with the bad condition of roads. During rains, the road turns into a cesspool, which takes a toll on us,” said a local from Kawa Mohalla Khanyar.
Many residents in Downtown areas said that the dilapidated bylanes have been neglected. Azad Ahmad, a resident of Malik Sahab Gojwar,a said that the link road in their area has been in a dilapidated condition for over a decade.
“We have highlighted the issue several times, but no one is listening to us. It has become difficult for residents to move around due to the bad condition of the lanes,” he said.
The Srinagarites decry that despite the government investing huge money in the Srinagar smart city, even the City centre roads are in bad shape. MA Road, which is one of the vital roads, is dotted with potholes.
“The MA Road in the city centre, Lal-Chowk, caved in several months ago and has not been repaired yet. This is the heart of Srinagar, and authorities are not bothered,” said Zahid Ahmad, a commuter.
The locals also complained about open manholes and uneven roads at Gojibagh, Sadrabal, Hazratbal, and other areas. They said that the issue has been turning into a death trap for commuters. The residents said that authorities should take concrete steps to address these issues at the earliest.
An official from the SMC’s Road Division said that they plan to take up these road projects under their jurisdiction
“Once that is finalised, we will submit the DPR. We have kept the repairs of roads asa top priority. The work will start soon; whatever road comes under our department will be fixed accordingly,” he said.
