Baramulla, Dec 6,: A leaking Public Health Engineering (PHE) pipeline along the Srinagar–Baramulla National Highway near the playground area of Pattan in Baramulla district has turned the busy stretch into a hazardous and accident-prone zone, with commuters forced to risk their lives daily due to official inaction.
Locals said the leakage has been flowing unchecked for several days, allowing water to spill continuously onto the highway. With temperatures dropping, the water freezes on the road surface, creating an icy layer that has already led to multiple near-accidents. Inhabitants reported that several vehicles narrowly escaped skidding, warning that a major mishap is only a matter of time.
Locals accused the PHE department at Pattan of gross negligence. Despite repeated complaints, no effort has been made to repair the damaged pipeline or even provide temporary safeguards. People alleged the department has turned a blind eye to the danger posed to commuters on one of the valley’s busiest highways.
Locals demanded immediate intervention by the Executive Engineer, PHE Baramulla, and sought accountability against officials responsible for what they termed as callous indifference. [KNT]
