Water scarcity, dilapidated roads pester Batamaloo residents

Srinagar, Dec 9: Lack of basic amenities, including absence of proper drinking water supply and dilapidated roads, has taken a severe toll on the residents of Green Avenue Colony at Old Guzar Batamaloo.

The residents said they are struggling to manage their daily needs as the area continues to face neglect despite repeated pleas to authorities.

Residents said the households in the locality are without a proper water connection as water pipes have not been installed for a long time, leaving families to fend for themselves. According to locals, the issue has pushed them into hardship, forcing them to fetch water from adjacent areas in cans and containers every single day.

“We are facing a huge crisis. Without a proper water supply, normal household chores have become impossible. Be it cooking, washing, or drinking, everything has turned into a challenge,” said Mehraj-ud-Din, a resident. He added that households, including elderly people, women, and children, struggle to carry water over long distances, especially during mornings and late evenings.

Locals said that residents have been approaching the authorities, but no action has been taken yet. “Despite repeated pleas and reminders, nothing has changed on the ground. We are living without the most basic facility. It is humiliating that in the heart of the city, people still have to haul water like this,” said another resident.

They said that adding to their misery is the poor condition of the roads in the locality. Residents said that the road is damaged and turns into cesspools during even light rainfall, restricting movement and posing a risk, particularly for children and elderly people.

“When there is a downpour, the road becomes slushy and filled with muddy water. It gets impossible to walk. Children returning from school and tuitions slip, and elderly people fear stepping outside,” said another resident.

With the harsh winter setting in, residents fear that the twin problems of water scarcity and broken roads will make life even more difficult. The locals urged the authorities to address their issues at the earliest.

When contacted, a senior official from PHE said the matter would be looked into. “We will take up the issue and ensure necessary action is initiated so that water supply is restored accordingly,” the official said.