As Jammu and Kashmir gears up for its Assembly elections, set to begin on September 18 and run through October 1, expectations for change run high across the region. In Srinagar’s Habbakadal constituency, long-simmering issues have left residents anxious for new leadership that can tackle their pressing needs.
A Rising Kashmir correspondent visited the area to gauge local sentiment ahead of the elections. In the heart of Gowkadal, residents voiced frustration over long-standing issues, with many highlighting the severe water crisis despite the rapid technological advancements seen elsewhere. “Even in 2024, we struggle to get access to clean drinking water,” lamented one resident.
Mohammad Salim, a long-time resident, added to the list of grievances, pointing out a growing stray dog menace. “Hundreds of stray dogs roam our streets, creating havoc and making it unsafe, especially for children and the elderly,” he said. However, his concerns didn’t stop there—he spoke of rising drug abuse in the area, which he believes is directly tied to the high rates of youth unemployment. Salim emphasized the urgent need for a drug rehabilitation centre, stating, “Our youth are falling into addiction because there are no job opportunities or recreational facilities for them.”
Infrastructure is another major concern for the voters. For years, locals have been demanding the construction of a footbridge at Bar Bar Shah, a crucial project yet to materialize. Similarly, the absence of a playground and children’s park in the GawkadalMandar area has deprived young residents of much-needed recreational space. Issues of sewage management, road encroachment, and waste disposal have also been raised as priorities for the constituency’s next representative.
Echoing these sentiments, many residents expressed disillusionment with previous leaders who, during election campaigns, made lofty promises only to neglect the constituency post-election. “They come, they listen, and they promise. But once elected, they disappear, and our problems persist,” a resident remarked bitterly.
As election day draws near, the people of Habbakadal are looking for more than just promises—they want results. They hope that this time around, the voters will cast their ballots for candidates with a proven track record of addressing issues such as better healthcare, improved education, functional infrastructure, and opportunities for the younger generation.
With expectations running high, residents are eager for new leadership that will tackle their core concerns head-on, ensuring the constituency moves forward with the progress it has long awaited.
