Tawheedgunj Baramulla residents aghast over blocked drain

Baramulla, Apr 18: The residents of mohalla Tawheedgunj, in Baramulla town have expressed serious concern over the worsening sanitation crisis in the area. The locals said that the people of the area are facing severe problems following the complete blockage of a major drain in the area. They said that the drain running through the congested area of Tawheed Gunj has not been cleaned for several years, leading to severe water stagnation of wastewater in their homes.

"We are struggling to carry out basic daily tasks such as washing dishes, as used water has no proper outlet. Instead, it retains inside homes, forcing residents to manually remove it with buckets," said Muhammad Ashraf, a local resident. "This unhygienic situation has become an ongoing challenge, adding to our distress," he added.

Muhammad Afzal, a local resident said that the problem is not just an inconvenience but a serious health hazard.

He said stagnant water has created a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. "Elderly residents are particularly at risk, as exposure to these conditions can lead to infections and respiratory issues. In addition, continuous waterlogging is damaging homes, weakening walls and floors due to prolonged moisture," he added. Despite multiple appeals to municipal authorities and the Deputy Commissioner’s office, no action has been taken. The residents have expressed concern over the administration’s lack of response, leaving them feeling neglected and helpless. The grieved residents have urged the civic authorities to immediately intervene in the matter so that people of the area are relieved of distress and pain.