Ganderbal, Oct 06: Residents in several areas of Gagangeer in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district have raised concerns about their deteriorating respiratory health, attributing it to the pervasive dust emanating from the road network in the region.
Local inhabitants from areas such as Gagangeer, Kullan, and Rezan have voiced their grievances, highlighting the persistent dust issue plaguing the road that connects Kullan to Gagangeer. This road, which is part of the vital Srinagar-Leh highway, witnesses a constant stream of vehicular traffic, enveloping commuters in clouds of dust, causing severe respiratory distress.
Residents reminisced about last year when relief arrived in the form of a water tanker provided by APCO Construction Company. This tanker diligently sprayed water on the road throughout the day, mitigating the dust problem. However, this year, the absence of the water tanker has exacerbated the situation, leaving locals grappling with increased dust levels.
Expressing her concern, a schoolgirl named Gousia Rasool remarked, “The deplorable condition of the road from Kullan to Gagangeer, riddled with potholes, has significantly escalated the volume of dust in the air, making life unbearable for us.”
Local reports suggest a growing number of residents complaining of respiratory problems due to the constant dust exposure. Medical experts have cautioned that diseases like lower respiratory tract infections can become more prevalent, and the dust can act as a trigger for asthma attacks, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue promptly.
Authorities and stakeholders are now being urged to take immediate measures to alleviate the dust problem and prioritize the health and well-being of the affected residents of the said area.
