Pulwama, Sep 2,: Persistent drainage issues have left locals of Ratnipora locality in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district grappling with severe waterlogging, especially during rainfall, causing repeated disruption to daily life.
Locals from Banimpora mohalla said that the main drainage system has been rendered defunct due to heavy silt deposits, mud accumulation and encroachments by certain residents. The choked drains, according to them, have resulted in flooding of the Ratnipora-Gulbagh road stretch, making commuting nearly impossible.
“Even a moderate spell of rain submerges the main road. Pedestrians are stranded, vehicles get stuck and the road surface has suffered serious damage. Our repeated appeals to the Public Works and Rural Development departments have gone unheard as both departments keep shifting responsibility,” said Basharat Ahmad, a local.
The waterlogging, residents added, has become a recurring crisis during every monsoon season, with stagnant water also raising fears of unhygienic conditions and mosquito breeding.
People of the area have demanded immediate desilting and cleaning of the drains under schemes like MGNREGA or through Constituency Development Funds. They also urged authorities to act against minor encroachments and prevent households from discharging sewage into the drainage.
Former High Court Judge and legislator from Pampore constituency, Hasnain Masoodi, assured that the matter will be taken up for redressal.
Locals, however, maintain that only a long-term and coordinated plan will bring relief to the locality which has been struggling with inundation for years. [KNT]
