Dilapidated road at Habba Kadal’s Chandpora sparks outrage among residents

Srinagar, Aug 30: The residents of Chandpora locality in the Habba Kadal area of Srinagar are facing daily hardships due to the deteriorating condition of the main road, which they say has been neglected for over a year. Locals claim that the issue is due to drainage work carried out to prevent waterlogging, but it has left the road severely dilapidated and unsafe for commuters.The road, which serves as a vital link connecting several parts of the locality, is riddled with large potholes and uneven surfaces that have worsened over time. Residents say commuting has become both difficult and dangerous, particularly for children and the elderly.”After the drainage work began, the road was left in poor condition, and nothing has been done since. It’s frustrating to see such a vital road in our area left like this. Its current state has made it nearly impossible to use safely,” said Ibrahim Lone, a local resident.Many others share similar concerns, emphasising the daily risks they face. “We’ve already had several near-misses, especially when vehicles try to navigate around the potholes. It’s only a matter of time before something worse happens,” said Samiullah Wani, another resident.  Parents, in particular, are worried about their children’s safety. “I worry every time my kids leave for school,” said Naila Malik, a mother of two. “In some areas, the potholes are so deep that it’s almost impossible to navigate without risking injury. It’s not safe for anyone, especially children.”For elderly residents, the road has turned simple errands into perilous tasks. “I used to go out daily to buy vegetables, but now I avoid leaving home unless it’s absolutely necessary. Last winter, I slipped in one of the potholes and got injured,” said Noor Mohammad, an elderly resident. “It’s become too dangerous for people my age.”  The situation worsens during rain or snow, when the potholes fill with water, making the surface even more treacherous. “When it rains or snows, the road becomes a muddy cesspool,” said Muneeb Ahangar, another local. “In winter, the frozen water turns it into an ice rink, making it impossible to walk or drive safely.”  Locals are now demanding immediate action from the authorities to address the issue. “We have raised the matter several times with the local administration, but no solution has been provided. The road is in a terrible state, and the delay in repairs is putting lives at risk,” said Shabir Mushtaq, a local resident.Responding to these concerns, a senior official at the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), requesting anonymity, acknowledged the issue but explained that road repairs have been put on hold due to the ongoing drainage work. “The repairs have been put on hold because the drainage system needs to settle properly. If we macadamise the road before this process is complete, it could cause complications later,” said the official. “We understand the difficulties faced by residents, and once the drainage work is fully settled, we will prioritise road repairs to ensure it’s safe for commuters.” Meanwhile, Shameema Firdous, MLA for Habba Kadal, assured residents that the road would be repaired soon. “I have already raised this issue with the concerned authorities, and they have informed me that the drainage system will take about 10 more days to settle. Once that is done, we will begin the repairs immediately,” said Firdous. “I understand the hardships faced by the people, and I appeal to them to bear with us for just a few more weeks.”