Baramulla, Oct 24: The people of Sopore area in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have expressed serious concern over the accidents due to the absence of reflectors on road dividers in the town.
According to the residents, this “alarming” issue is reportedly leading to accidents, particularly during the evening hours when visibility is low.
Ghulam Mohammad, a local trader, said that although the road dividers were constructed to facilitate smooth traffic flow; however, the absence of reflectors has turned them into potential hazards, resulting in frequent accidents, especially during low-visibility evening hours.
“These accidents occur as vehicles inadvertently collide with the dividers. The inadequate street lighting further worsens the situation,” he said.
Over recent weeks, several accidents causing injuries have been reported. Local residents are expressing their concerns and urging the administration to install reflectors on the dividers to enhance visibility and prevent further accidents.
Despite numerous complaints to the relevant authorities, effective action has yet to be taken, they alleged.
The absence of reflectors on these dividers has already contributed to at least eight accidents within the past few months, the locals said. They said the administration’s negligence in addressing this safety concern has exacerbated the issue.
“Reflectors are crucial for road safety, particularly at night when visibility is compromised. The absence of reflectors in Sopore town poses a significant risk,” remarked Momin, a cab driver.
Mohammad Hammad, another resident of Sopore, said that people travelling from other parts of the valley to Sopore might become unwitting victims of the administration’s negligence, as they may not be aware of the potential dangers.
In 2021, the Wular Foundation, a Sopore-based non-profit organisation and Sopore Media Fraternity installed reflectors across the town to prevent road accidents. However, these reflectors were either damaged or stolen. The residents said that it is the administration’s responsibility to systematically address such safety concerns.
Both residents and transporters have requested the administration to immediately rectify the issue to prevent further accidents.
An official from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department said the issue is under consideration, and necessary action will be taken in the coming days.
