Anantnag, March 21: The Anantnag bus stand has been left in a state of disarray after local authorities dug up a road and then abandoned it, leaving a deep trench with murky water that emits a foul smell.
According to local vendors, the authorities initially dug up the road in order to make space for vendors, but then abruptly abandoned the project before it was completed. The result has been a major inconvenience for vendors and commuters alike, as the dug-up area has become a breeding ground for murky water and a haven for mosquitoes and other pests.
“We used to have a nice open space here where vendors could set up their stalls and sell their wares. But now, with this road dug up and left in such a state, it has become a major eyesore and a trap for anyone who walks by,” Shabir Ahmad, a local vendor, told Rising Kashmir.
Other locals also voiced their concerns about the state of the bus stand, noting that the smell from the murky water is becoming unbearable and could pose a health risk to those who spend time in the area.
CEO Municipal Council Anantnag, Showkat Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that he is not sure whether the excavation was done to create space for vendors or for partition purposes.
He, however, acknowledged that it is a nuisance and a potential health hazard. “We will temporarily fill in an excavated patch of road,” he said.
Meanwhile, another local vendor, Fayaz Ahmad, said the stagnant water poses health risks to them and their customers. “The place has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which are not only a nuisance but also a potential health hazard,” he said.
Gull Mohammed, a vendor in his 70s, said it is unfortunate that the authorities responsible for the maintenance of the bus stand have turned a blind eye to the health risk posed by the murky water. “The authorities should seriously look into the matter before any untoward happens,” he said.
“Such negligence on part of the authorities is unacceptable as the lack of action has only exacerbated the situation, leaving vendors and commuters to navigate the treacherous terrain on their own,” Gull said. “It is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the people; and in this case, they have failed miserably.”
