Waseem Ahmad
SRINAGAR, May 2: Lack of coordination between two departments has left the approach road of Gangbugh area on the outskirts of Srinagar in deplorable condition, causing inconvenience in commuting.
The locals of the area alleged that last year the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) laid drainage pipes in their area but covered them with loose earth. “After SMC left, the road caved in at several places leaving it non-motorable. The road was left very loose and when we objected they sent us away, saying they are not authorized to conduct repairs,” Ghulam Mohiddin Dar, a local said, they should have covered the pipes with concrete material.
“The commuters have to face various hardships as the condition of the road from Gangbugh to Narkura is deplorable,” a local said.
The local residents informed that after pursuing the Government for several years, the construction of road and drainage was sanctioned to their area. “With a cost of about Rs 10 crore, the work was subsequently taken up last year but has not been completed yet”, Tariq Ahmad, a local said, adding the Government has failed to deliver on their promises.
Tariq said the road was strewn with deep ditches and potholes giving tough time to the commuters and now after repeatedly asking authorities, the R&B Department has started to dig the road again and repair it. “The black topping and other construction material is scattered all over the road. During rainfall, the vehicles are stuck in the potholes filled with rainwater. Many vehicles have been broken down due to appalling condition of the road,” he said.
Another local, Ghulam Mohammad Wani, said that people have to face immense hardships even in carrying dead to the graveyard. “If any untoward incident happens, even ambulance or Fire Department will not be able to reach the area”, he said.
Parvaiz Ahmad, Executive Engineer, R&B Department while admitting that the road was damaged by the SMC said that the tenders have been floated for the restoration of the road and the repairing work has been started. “We have already invited tenders for repairing the road and the work has been started. We will continue the work until the available funds get exhausted. Rest of the work will be taken up with the release of more funds,” he said.
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