Years on, Gojwara link road lies in neglect

Srinagar, Jul 26: The link road leading to Malik Sahib locality in Downtown Srinagar’s Gojwara area remains in a dilapidated state, years after repeated pleas by residents for its repair. The residents said that with crater-sized potholes, caved-in patches, and waterlogged stretches during rains, the narrow road has become a daily hazard for locals. They said pedestrians, school-going children, and elderly residents are facing huge inconvenience due to the issue.

The aggrieved said the neglected stretch, which connects several households to the main road and leads to a local school and a community hall, has seen no substantial repair work since past decade.

“It’s not just an inconvenience anymore, it is a safety issue. The road is barely manageable during dry weather. But during rains, it turns into a water-filled trap. Two-wheelers skid, children stumble, and elderly residents are terrified to walk, especially after dark.” said Ayaan Ahmad, a resident.

The residents said the road’s poor condition becomes even more perilous during evening hours, particularly when there is a power cut. “With insufficient streetlights and frequent power outages, walking this stretch after sundown is a nightmare. We feel like we have been forgotten. Roads in other areas have been upgraded under the Smart City project, but ours remains in ruins.” said Farooq Ahmad, another local.

Residents argue that the area holds importance not only because of the number of families it serves, but also due to the presence of essential community spaces. “There is a school and a community hall here. How are children expected to reach school safely and how can we host events in such shabby surroundings?” asked another local.

The locals said that the issue is now affecting social functions as well. “We have a wedding scheduled in the family next month, and we are genuinely worried. The broken lanes give a terrible impression and reflects poorly on the entire locality.” The aggrieved said.

The locals said that despite repeated requests to authorities the road remains a victim of official apathy. “We’ve written letters, met officials, and even shared pictures of the condition. But not even patchwork has been done in years,” said another aggrieved resident.

Officials from SMC did not respond to multiple calls of this reporter.