Lack of drainage system makes lives of Al-Kareem Colony residents miserable

Srinagar, Dec 8: Residents of Al-Kareem Colony of Humhama locality on the Airport Road have expressed resentment against lack of drainage system in the area.

A delegation of aggrieved residents from the area said that the lanes in the locality are waterlogged in absence of drainage system. “It is ironic that authorities have failed to construct drainage system in our locality. Even our locality has been left out from on-going works of the Smart City project,” they said.

“In absence of a drainage system, lanes and bylanes in our locality continuously remain waterlogged. During rains, even our parking areas, gardens and foundations of our houses and boundary walls are waterlogged causing substantial damage,” they said.

Inhabitants said that persistent waterlogging has extensively damaged roads in the locality. “Our roads are dotted with potholes and uneven surfaces. At many spots, roads have caved in. This poses a risk of injuries to pedestrians. Many vehicles in the locality have suffered damages after passing through waterlogged roads and potholes,” they said.

“Our area has been totally neglected by authorities on the development front. We are still craving for basic amenities, especially the drainage system. Despite being part of a posh locality, our area seems to be a far-flung locality due to waterlogging and dilapidated roads. Residents, especially students are bearing the brunt of waterlogging as they have to walk through bone-chilling waste water to reach schools and tuition centres,” they said.

“Waterlogging and dilapidated roads can be detrimental in case of medical emergencies. Waterlogging is so severe that it seems we are living in a lake. Colonies in our adjoining localities have all facilities. It is sheer injustice with us that we are being deprived of basic amenities,” they said.

“We make a fervent appeal to Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and Commissioner SMC to look into the matter and direct the concerned authorities to construct drainage system in the locality at earliest,” they said.