Baramulla, Mar 13: The people of this North Kashmir district are up in arms against the Government’s failure to repair the dilapidated Srinagar-Baramulla highway complaining that some road stretches were dotted with potholes.
 “The four kilometer road from Baramulla to Kansipora has huge potholes causing frequent traffic jams which results in huge inconvenience to the commuters,” the residents said.  
 According to them, the drivers had to change routes at Nanak Bawan, Singh Bagh, Karyappa Park and the Police Line due to dilapidated road condition.
 “Despite repeated reminders and representations, the concerned officials have failed to repair the stretch,” said Riyaz Ahmad, a shopkeeper on Nanak Bawan Road.
 He said the children studying in some of the educational institutions established on the stretch and the patients visiting a maternity hospital were facing tremendous hardships. “Many students suffered injuries when their vehicle hit a pothole,” Nissar Ahmad said adding the pregnant women had also complained of complications after being carried on way to the maternity hospital.
 The residents said the road becomes more troublesome during summers. “With improved weather condition, travelling on this stretch of highway become more difficult due to dust emanating from these potholes,” they said adding the pedestrians had to cover their face completely to avoid pollution.
 The people have expressed dissatisfaction over the work done by BEACON authorities, responsible for the maintenance of the Highway. “In past also, BEACON carried out maintenance work, but after few months, the condition of Highway deteriorated again,” they alleged.
 When contacted, District Development Commissioner Baramulla, Bashir Ahmad Bhat said, “A meeting regarding the condition of Baramulla-Srinagar highway was recently conducted with the BEACON officials, where in the upgradation and the repair of the Road was discussed.”
 “The repair work on the Highway will begin in April and I assure the residents of Baramulla that I will personally monitor the overall work on the Highway so that flawless work is carried out,” Bashir Ahmad said.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 13 Mar 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 13 Mar 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 IST