Trenches dug for telecom cabling left open in Baramulla, pedestrians aghast
Baramulla, Jun 9: The trenches dug by telecom authorities for the laying of optical fibre cables in Baramulla town have been left open, posing a serious threat to public safety. In Kanlibagh and other several places, an unknown telecom company recently undertook trenching work to install optical fibre cables. However, not only did the agency left the trenches wide open after completing the cable installation, but they also caused significant damage to the road surface and a drinking water pipeline during the digging process. Local residents have expressed serious concerns over the careless approach adopted by the telecom agency.
Fayaz Ahmad, a resident of Kanlibagh, voiced his disappointment, and said that despite the passage of a month, the damaged road and the open trench have not been filled. "There has been no attempt to refill the trench or restore the damaged road. The water pipeline was also damaged, yet no accountability has been fixed by the local authorities against the concerned telecom company," he said.
The open trench continues to remain dangerous for commuters and pedestrians alike, leading to growing apprehension among the local population. "Especially, during the evening the open trench can cause any mishap," said Muneer Ahmad.
The delay in refilling the open trenches had also been reported from several areas of the town include the Khawjabagh Baramulla. A local resident of Khawjabagh Baramulla while highlighting the issue on the social media highlighted how such open trenches are dangerous for children and elders.
“This is complete injustice to the local population,” said a resident of Khawjabagh Baramulla while highlighting the issue on social media site. “When they are hurry in opening the trenches for laying cables why don’t they show same urgency in refilling these trenches,” he added. Following a compliant, the Jal Shakti Department Baramulla sent a team of field staff to repair the damaged drinking water pipeline.
Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), Jal Shakti Department Baramulla, Ajaz Ahmad stressed the need for better coordination between departments during such works. "Normally, whenever telecom agencies carry out such work, they should consult us, especially since numerous water pipes run beneath the edge of the roads. If a field staff member is present during digging, it would help to prevent damage to our infrastructure," he said. The AEE, further warned that the Jal Shakti Department would take strict action if a comprehensive assessment reveals significant damage to the water pipelines.
"If the damage is found to be extensive, we will not hesitate to lodge an FIR against the concerned telecom agency," he added. Residents also urged for stronger synergy between different government departments to avoid the recurrence of such incidents. "Whenever infrastructural work is carried out, there must be proper coordination among all stakeholders to ensure government property and public utilities are protected," said Muhammad Ashraf, a resident of Baramulla town.
