SSCL fails to repair damaged roads in Downtown, commuters bear brunt

Srinagar, Aug 30: Failure of Srinagar Smart City Ltd (SSCL) to undertake repairs of damaged roads after construction of drainage system in Downtown is taking a heavy toll on commuters.

The continuous downpour on the third consecutive day in Srinagar exposed defunct drainage of city areas besides haphazardly filled roads.

Dilapidated roads gave tough time to commuters. At several places, passengers had a narrow escape. In one such incident at Babademb road, a passenger vehicle had an accident after the under-construction road caved in after rains.

“The work on the road has been going on for months now, but we are still waiting for blacktopping. The road was filled haphazardly. Following incessant rains, a vehicle got stuck as the road caved in. The passengers had a narrow escape. For the past few months, we have been having a tough time, especially during rains. We appeal to authorities to fix the road and complete blacktopping,” said a local of Babademb.

The locals from Downtown said that due to drainage failure, the waterlogged roads dilapidated gave them a tough time. The traders said that water entered their shops at many places, including Khanyar and adjoining areas. Despite drainage construction, Khanyar road is dotted with potholes and open manholes.

“We have a faulty drainage system near our shops. Water is entering our shops, and no one is paying heed to the issue. As traders, we are suffering immensely,” said Javaid Ahmad, a trader from Gousia Market Khanyar.

On the third day of the rains, Greater Kashmir received many complaints about waterlogging from areas like Khanyar, Dalgate, Nowhatta, Babademb, and adjoining areas. The commuters also said that massive traffic jams during peak hours are becoming a problem for them.

“We are facing inconvenience, especially on roads. There are huge potholes on the roads, and during rains, these turn into cesspools. It has not been easy to navigate these roads, especially downtown. This issue is causing major traffic jams, which worsen during rains,” said Umar Mir, a commuter.

Officials from Srinagar Smart City Limited said that black topping has been done in many areas and that work on other projects will be finished soon. However, residents in Srinagar areas said that the slow pace of work and inadequate drainage are continuing to pester them and risk their lives.