‘Visitors and Officials Suffer’
Idrees Bukhtiyar
Srinagar, June 05: The Mini-Secretariat complex in Uri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, which houses several key government offices, continues to face severe waterlogging whenever it rains, causing immense inconvenience to officials and visitors alike.
Residents and employees said the premises lack a proper drainage system, resulting in the accumulation of rainwater across the compound. Large pools of stagnant water often remain for days after rainfall, turning the government complex into a virtual cesspool.
The Mini-Secretariat accommodates several important departments, including Horticulture, Agriculture, Tehsil, Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Irrigation, and Education, making it one of the busiest government facilities in the area.
Visitors coming for official work said they are forced to wade through muddy and waterlogged patches to reach different offices. The situation becomes particularly difficult for elderly citizens, women and persons with disabilities.
“Every time it rains, the entire premises get submerged. People have to carefully navigate through stagnant water to access government offices. It is surprising that such an important public facility lacks a proper drainage system,” said Shabir Ahmad Naik, an ex-sarpanch of Garkote village.
Officials working in the complex also expressed concern over the recurring problem. They said waterlogging not only hampers the movement of staff and visitors but also creates unhygienic conditions.
“The issue has persisted for years. The stagnant water gives off a foul smell and becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Immediate intervention is needed to address the problem,” an employee posted in the complex said.
Locals alleged that despite repeated complaints, no concrete measures have been taken by the authorities to improve drainage facilities within the premises. They said the problem worsens during prolonged rainfall, affecting the functioning of government offices.
They said resolving the issue would not only improve sanitation and accessibility but also ensure that citizens visiting government offices are not subjected to unnecessary hardships.
“The Mini-Secretariat is meant to serve the public, but during rainy days it becomes extremely difficult to even enter the premises. Authorities must treat this issue as a priority,” a visitor said.
Residents have urged the district administration to take immediate steps to construct a proper drainage network and undertake necessary infrastructure upgrades to prevent water accumulation.