Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 29:, Inordinate delay in the construction of drainage system irks the residents of Batamaloo area as the accumulation of sewage water has turned the area into a stinking cesspool.
As per the residents of Mominabad Batamaloo, they have been craving of a drainage system in the area for last 25 years. “Due to lack of drainage system in the area, we have to face various hardships as the area turns into a cesspool after a few centimeters of rain. Despite passing two decades, our area is without drainage system and authorities are turning a blind eye towards our sufferings,” Muhammad Shafi, a resident of Mominabad said.
He said the adjacent localities, where new colonies were settled only few years back have got drainage system but they are craving for this basic facility from past 25 years. “The new colonies made few years ago are having a proper drainage system but despite being residing here for more than two decades, we are being totally neglected,” he added.
Another resident, Ghulam Qadir said that despite raising this issue with the administration, nothing concrete has been done so far to redress the problems faced by people. “We have been visiting all the concerned departments from years together but nothing has been done so far. Our houses are on verge of collapse due to water accumulation. We have to walk through stinking water to reach main road. The foul smell emanating from the accumulated sewage water has shrouded the whole area. Children and elderly persons are the worst sufferers,” he said.
The residents alleged that in one of the lanes at Mirabad of the area, the drainage has been left incomplete and the road is in dilapidated condition now. “The drainage project was started a year ago but was left midway and the road has been dug up. Due to dilapidated condition of the road, we are facing problems to venture out,” Riyaz Ahmad, a resident said.
An official of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) cited lack of funds as the reason behind the delay in construction of the drainage system in the concerned area. “We are not able to start the work on the drainage system due to lack of funds. Keeping in mind, the sufferings of the people, we have already made Detailed Project Report (DPR) for constructing the drainage system there and put forth demand for the funds. The work would be soon started after the funds are received,” he said.