Srinagar, Jan 29: Residents and tourists visiting Dalgate, one of Srinagar’s busiest and most scenic areas, Wednesday voiced their concern over the neglect of street lights and fountains.
A decorative fountain chain, which was last seen functioning during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on National Yoga Day, has remained defunct ever since, leaving both locals and visitors disappointed.
Adding to their woes, many streetlights in the area are non-functional, making nighttime movement difficult and raising safety concerns. The fountains now stand dry and forgotten.
Hilal Bhat, a member of the Bazaar Committee Dalgate, highlighted the issue, stating that, “When the Prime Minister visited SKICC on National Yoga Day, the fountain was operational, adding to the beauty of the area. But ever since that event, it has been left to decay. Functional fountain chain will add to the beauty of the area,” he said.
He added that the defunct fountains diminish the appeal of Dalgate, which is a major tourist gateway to Dal Lake, Shankaracharya Hill and other attractions. “This is a prime location for visitors. The authorities should maintain it properly,” he stressed.
Many tourists visiting Dalgate had hoped to experience its full charm but were met with signs of neglect. Riya Sharma, a visitor from Delhi, expressed her dismay: “I saw pictures of this place online, and it looked stunning with the fountain. But when we arrived, it was lifeless. It feels like something is missing.”
Ishfaq Ahmed, a resident of Dalgate, raised concerns about safety due to non-functional streetlights at vital spots. “Dalgate is such a beautiful place, but the dark streets at crucial spots make it a little unsettling at night. Proper lighting would not only improve safety but also enhance the experience for visitors,” he said.
Women and elderly residents, in particular, have raised concerns about walking through the area at night. “Even auto drivers hesitate to ply on a road stretch due to the darkness,” another resident pointed out.
The Bazaar Committee, along with concerned citizens, is urging authorities to take immediate action. They emphasize that Dalgate is not just a local marketplace but a tourist hotspot, and its upkeep should be a priority. “This is not a major demand—just basic maintenance of public utilities. The administration needs to step up and ensure that Srinagar remains a welcoming destination,” a group of Dalgate residents said.
