Nawab Bazar residents decry dilapidated roads

Srinagar, Mar 17: Residents of Nawab Bazar area of Downtown here have expressed resentment over the failure of authorities to repair dilapidated roads in the locality.

Deteriorating road infrastructure is causing inconvenience and safety concerns for locals, prompting them to voice their grievances.

The roads at Nawab Bazar have been in a state of disrepair, riddled with potholes and cracks for the past several months. This has made commuting a nightmare for residents, with many expressing frustration over the lack of action from authorities.

Abdul Salam Bhat, a local said, "the condition of the roads here is very bad.” “It's like navigating through an obstacle course every day. Our vehicles suffer constant damage, and it's a risk to our safety, especially during the rainy season." "The authorities seem to have turned a blind eye to our plight. We pay our taxes regularly, yet basic facilities like well-maintained roads are yet to be given to us," he added.

Commuters passing through these areas said that the poor road conditions are causing significant hardship for them. They emphasised that unless the roads are repaired urgently, they will continue to face difficulties in their travels.

Local shopkeepers are also feeling the impact of the poor road conditions. Mehraj-ud-din, who runs a small grocery store in the area, said, "Customers often complain about the difficulty in reaching my shop due to the condition of the roads. This has led to a decline in business, affecting our livelihoods."

"Now we have filled potholes with stones and debris in a desperate attempt to make the roads more passable. However, these makeshift repairs are only temporary solutions and do little to address the underlying issues," he added.

Commuters have voiced their frustration, citing that ongoing drainage projects and road constructions have contributed to the deteriorating state of our roads. Arif Ahmad emphasized the prolonged neglect of these roads, leading to numerous issues and significant disruptions to traffic flow. The lack of repairs has resulted in hazardous conditions, making it difficult for commuters to navigate safely. Additionally, businesses along these routes are also feeling the impact, as access to their establishments becomes increasingly challenging. They urged the authorities to undertake repairs of the roads.