Slow pace of work on footpath from Nishat to Habak irks pedestrians

Srinagar, Oct 13: Pedestrians have expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the footpath and cycle track from Nishat to Habak saying this poses a risk of accidents.

The pedestrians and locals said that although the majority of the work has been completed, the final work on the footpath and cycle track is still lingering— turning the road stretch into a construction site.

The aggrieved said that the issue has not only defaced the picturesque Foreshore road but is also causing inconvenience to pedestrians and cyclists.

“The work on the project started years ago, and still, some part of it is lingering, which is taking a toll on us. This is a busy place where scores of pedestrians walk and the ongoing work is creating inconvenience. In many places, the construction material is still lying around with the work ongoing. Only the blacktop portion of the road is complete, while the work is still going on at the cycle track and footpath,” said Abdul Majeed, a local from Nishat.

The aggrieved said that there are multiple issues faced by the people, which are not only related to lingering construction but also to other aspects. The cyclists in the areas said that although the work was still ongoing, fisherwomen and other vendors have occupied footpath and cycle track. Cyclists are forced to get down from the cycle track and move amid heavy traffic while risking their lives. Whenever we raise this issue with vendors and request them to make way, we are subjected to verbal abuse,” said Asif Ahmad, a cyclist.

Joggers in the area said that people are using the cycle track and footpath for drying walnuts and grains. They said vendors are using the track to sell fish and vegetables, while pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists are not able to use it without inconvenience.

“The final touches of the work are yet to be done and the track is already occupied by these fisherwomen and vegetable sellers. Despite incomplete work, authorities had at least made it ready for cyclists and joggers, but the track has been occupied. We request authorities to complete the remaining work on the track and clear it from these fisherwomen and vendors,” said Mudasir Ahmad, another aggrieved.

A senior official from Srinagar Smart City said that the whole work is almost complete. “We are just giving final beautification touches like colouring the track and fixing the cobblestones. As for the track being occupied is concerned, we will ensure action in this regard so that the safety of cyclists and other pedestrians is ensured,” he said.