Pulwama 2 September: Dysfunctional and encroached drainage system in Ratnipora locality in Pulwama district causes severe water logging during rainfall and brings life to a standstill in the area. Despite repeated appeals to the Public Works, and Rural Development department officials, the residents said their requests went unaddressed.
The residents said that the drainage in Ratnipora’s Banimpora mohalla has got blocked due to accumulation of silt, mud and encroachments by few residents which have created waterlogging and inundation of the Ratnipora-Gulbagh roads.
The residents are blaming defunct and poorly maintained drain inundation which submerges the main road and makes commuting impossible. They said the inundation has damaged the surface of the road and its macadamisation.
According to locals, even a moderate spell of rain leads to accumulation of water, making it difficult for pedestrians and vehicles to navigate. “Our pleas to the Public Works, and Rural Development department officials have fallen on deaf ears. These departments are passing the buck from each other. The inundation has been a recurring issue every monsoon season,” said Basharat Ahmad, a resident of the area.
The residents are demanding desilting and cleaning of the drainage under the MGNREGA scheme or CDF from the local legislator (Pampore constituency) or other schemes so that daily disruption in commuting ends. They have also urged the authorities to push for removal of minor encroachments and stopping disposal of sewage from some households into the drain.
“The stagnant water has also raised concerns about hygiene and mosquito breeding in the area. We are demanding immediate intervention and a long-term solution to the drainage problem before it escalates further,” they residents said.
Legislator Hasnain Masoodi (Retd Justice) said that he will look into the issue for its resolution.
(Gulistan News)
