Srinagar, Aug 6: The residents of Ganpatyar, Habba Kadal which houses Lal Ded Memorial Cultural Centre are up in arms against the administration for “neglecting” them. The residents said that people visiting the area are welcomed by uncovered manholes and drains, which emanate foul smell.
 “Drains in the area are defunct for many years. We have time and again apprized the authorities regarding the problem. But no action was initiated,” the locals said adding “There is every fear of outbreak of epidemic due to foul smell which emanates from the defunct drainage system.” 
 The residents said defunct drainage was causing dampness in the houses. “All the sewerage of the drains gets absorbed in the lanes of the area, as a result of which cracks have developed in our houses,” the residents said.
 “We several times pleaded before the authorities including MLA Habba Kadal, Shamima Firdous but so far nothing was done… We continue to suffer due to official apathy,” said Ali Muhammad, a local flanked by others.
 He said: “Few days ago, LD Memorial Cultural Centre was inaugurated in which crores of rupees were spent on restoration. We are not against facelift of that place, but we also want our own development, which is our right.”
 Not only the poor drainage haunts the residents, water and power supply too are issues which bring inconvenience.
 “Our area is craving for water. All the time our tapes run dry. We have to fetch water from adjacent areas,” said Muhammad Maqbool, a local.
 Also the transmission lines are in bad shape. “Transmission wires have not been changed for a long time. It seems that the wires can fall anytime leading to some tragedy.”
 “We number of times asked PDD officials to change the electric wiring in the area, but it seems they turned deaf ear to our pleas,” the locals said.
 They appealed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally visit the area and take appropriate action.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 6 Aug 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 6 Aug 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 7 Aug 2012 00:00:00 IST