Lack of street lights pester Hazratbal residents

Srinagar, June 9: Lack of street lights at Hazratbal and its outskirts is taking a toll on the locals here.

The residents of these areas have been complaining that following the issue, they are having a tough time amid darkness.

Greater Kashmir received complaints from various localities in Srinagar outskirts about the issue. The residents said that the streets and roads are without proper street lights. They said as the sunset, pedestrians, as well as commuters, have a lot of difficulties in navigating. The residents of Batapora, Gasso, Tailbal, Shopribagh, Inderhama, Wanihama, Mulphaq, Danihama said that despite repeated requests, their issues are not being resolved.

“Our area has a major receiving station, and all roads are dotted with electric poles. However when it comes to street lights, even our main roads are without this basic facility. In addition to defunct street lights, there is a total absence of street lights on the main roads of Burzahama-Gasso, Chatrahama, Danihama, and others. After sundown, we are having a tough time navigating,” said Adil Ahmad, a local from Hazratbal.

The locals in Downtown areas also complained of inadequate street lights in some areas. They said the issue is taking a toll on them.

“Amid the absence of street lights and bad roads, there is a risk of accidents, and we appeal to authorities to address this issue,” Ashiq Ahmad, a local from downtown, said.  The locals said that amid the growing stray dog menace, they are in constant fear of dog attacks. They said that if the roads are not well-lit, they won’t be able to venture out.

“Only a couple of days back, a stray dog attacked and injured six residents at Nawa Kadal. During late hours, elderly and other community members go for night prayers, and amid darkness, they are in fear of dog attacks. This makes it more important to have proper street lights,” said another resident. The locals said that authorities' failure to have a dedicated power line for streetlights is turning the streets pitch dark amid scheduled power cuts.

These residents appealed to the concerned authorities to address the issue in the Srinagar areas so that they don’t have to suffer.