Handwara new bus stand shopkeepers aghast over lack of basic amenities

Kupwara, Mar 30: Scores of shopkeepers running their shops in and adjacent to new bus stand Handwara are up in arms against authorities for failing to provide them basic amenities with the result they are subjected to enduring hardships. They said that the condition of the bus stand has turned pathetic over the years but authorities seem to be doing nothing with regard to restoring its past glory.

The shopkeepers and drivers said that the huge potholes within the bus stand have been giving tough time to the commuters but authorities seem to be unmoved, adding to the woes of people.

“Huge potholes within the bus stand are often filled with muddy rainwater. It has become a common scene to see passengers run away to avoid being splashed with muddy water whenever vehicles come near a pothole,” a usual visitor told Greater Kashmir. They said that although a few years back a small portion was macadamized but unknowingly the majority of the area was left out thus putting the people into a lot of inconvenience.

The shopkeepers also complained about the lack of drinking water at the New Bus stand and as a result, they were suffering badly. “Not only due to lack of drinking water but we have been suffering due to lack of toilet facilities as well. Although the Municipal Committee Handwara constructed three separate toilet blocks several years back, two of them were never put to use and the other has developed some issues causing immense hardships for the people,” said Yasir Geelani, a local business man. “Even the only passenger shed in the bus stand is in dilapidated condition causing inconvenience for passengers,” he added.

They have sought immediate intervention of Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Handwara Sajad Gani Lone in this regard so that their grievances are redressed at the earliest.