Authorities clueless, people left to suffer
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 12: Believe it or not, authorities in various city areas have installed a drainage pipe network without a designated outfall, resulting in blockages in connected drains and causing issues for residents.
Among several affected areas, the problem has become a nuisance for residents in Shaheen Lane, Awantha Bhawan in Soura, where the Urban Environmental Engineering Department Srinagar (UEED) and the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) jointly initiated the installation of the drainage pipe network.
The project aimed to provide each household with a dedicated drainage outlet, promising improved sanitation and a better quality of life for the local population. However, the ground situation has turned out to be quite different.
The residents of Awantha Bhawan told Excelsior that the initiative has been severely hindered by persistent blockages in the newly installed drainage system. As a result, residents have been grappling with numerous issues, including stagnant water, foul odours, and increased health risks.
Frustrated, they have repeatedly reached out to both UEED and NBCC to address the blockages and reinstate proper drainage in their locality, but their pleas have gone unanswered.
“The situation has become unbearable. We have been living in filth and squalor for months now,” lamented Bashir Ahmad Dar, a resident of Shaheen Lane. “We have made countless requests to the authorities, but it seems they are not taking any action, despite the significant funds invested in this project.”
The residents’ frustration is exacerbated by the unresponsiveness of the designated contact person at NBCC. Despite numerous attempts to contact him, residents claim that their calls go unanswered, leaving them feeling helpless and neglected.
“The silence from the NBCC and the lack of progress in resolving this issue is deeply disconcerting,” expressed Abdul Qadir, another resident. “We were promised an improved drainage system, but instead, we find ourselves living in unsanitary conditions,” he added.
The residents have also raised the matter with the LG Grievance Cell. However, due to the absence of NBCC officials, the issue remains unresolved. In response to their complaint, the SMC’s drainage wing has stated on the LG Grievance Cell portal that while the drainage system has been constructed by the NBCC, “there is currently no available outfall,” which leads to blockages.
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