Residents raise red flag over blockage of flood channel at Peerbagh

Srinagar, Sep 1: Residents of Peerbagh and nearby areas have expressed concern over the dismal state of the Doodhganga flood channel.

They said the dredged material has been dumped near Peerbagh bridge downstream of the channel, and this has formed a bund that has blocked water flow.

“Untreated sewage from Rawalpora and toxic industrial waste from Rangreth is pumped into the channel at the Alamdar Colony pump station. This happens as SMC doesn’t have a Sewage Treatment Plant. With no sewage treatment, the channel foul smell emanates from the drain. The bad smell spreads into homes, while stagnant water breeds mosquitoes, raising the risk of dengue, malaria, and cholera,” a delegation of residents lamented.

“The channel is now choked, and even light rain could trigger flooding, putting thousands of homes in Peerbagh and nearby colonies at risk,” they added.

Residents urged authorities to act urgently—remove the earthen bund near Peerbagh Bridge, clean the Channel, and stop waste dumping. “This is a serious issue and needs prompt action by authorities who have to act before neglect turns this into a health and safety disaster,” they added.