Srinagar- More than three months after residents of Bemina raised alarm over open drains, foul stench and the lack of pedestrian footpaths, no tangible action has been taken on the ground, locals allege, accusing the civic authorities of continued indifference.
Residents and shopkeepers say the uncovered drainage channel along the busy stretch between the KFC showroom and Iqbalabad remains a daily hazard, particularly during peak traffic hours. Locals claim that multiple people have slipped and fallen into the open drain over the past few weeks, underscoring the risks posed by the exposed channel.
Nazir Ahmad, a local businessman, said officials from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) had visited the area following complaints, but nothing changed thereafter. “Some officials did come and saw the situation with their own eyes, but after that there has been no action at all,” he said. “The drain remains open and dangerous, and people continue to suffer.”
Community members maintain that the issue is long-standing and has been ignored for years. Parvaiz Ahmad Bhat, a local said the failure to address basic civic needs has left residents feeling embarrassed. “It is painful to explain to outsiders why such a busy commercial area has no footpath and open drains,” he said. “There is heavy traffic and a hospital nearby, yet accountability is missing.”
Apart from safety concerns, residents complain that the stench emanating from the uncovered drain has made daily life miserable. Shopkeepers say the foul smell drives customers away, while families living close by struggle to keep their homes ventilated. “There are hours when the smell becomes unbearable,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident of the area. “It affects our health and our work.”
Pedestrians, particularly the elderly and those heading to mosques during early morning and evening hours, say moving along the road has become increasingly risky due to traffic congestion and the absence of a proper footpath. “Every walk feels unsafe,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a resident of Iqbalabad. “There is simply no space for pedestrians.”
Locals estimate the drain to be around 15 to 17 feet wide at several points and allege that its open condition has already resulted in multiple minor accidents. They have demanded immediate covering of the drain, construction of a safe footpath and measures to address the public health risks posed by exposed sewage.
Residents said that while assurances were given earlier, nothing has materialised even after the passage of more than three months since the issue was first highlighted.
Frustrated by what they term as “empty promises,” residents say they are no longer satisfied with verbal assurances. “We want visible work on the ground,” said a local shopkeeper. “Until the drains are covered and a footpath is built, our safety and dignity remain compromised.”
Kashmir Observer made repeated attempts to contact Srinagar Municipal Corporation Commissioner and CEO Smart City Limited, Fazlul Haseeb, for an update on the matter; however, calls and messages sent in this regard did not elicit any response till the time of filing this report.
