THE Sonar Colony, Boatman Colony and the areas adjacent to it, in Bemina, are perfect example of famous proverb “Charag Taley Andhera” (It is always dark at the foot of lighthouse).
 Keeping in view the current developmental works initiated by government in the City, it is quite disgusting to observe that these areas of Bemina have been sarcastically neglected by the administration.
 Despite being in the heart of City, any stranger visiting the area leaves with an impression of being in an alien place with heaps of garbage recklessly dumped on the road side, and it is now an undesirably “established fact” in Kashmir that the dumped garbage is an inevitable invitation for canines.
 The irony is that in Srinagar, the right of a dog to life is safeguarded more than a human being. Moreover, the residents are forced to bear the stench emanating from the garbage.
 Chocked drains and waterlogging due to inappropriate drainage system adds fuel to the fire, because the drains aren’t cleaned and the sewage finally overflows. The people’s cup of woes has spilled. The presence of polythene in the garbage results in the choking of drains. Even during slightest downpour, the situation turns ugly and these drains start overflowing causing immense hardships to the pedestrians. The chocked drains are also a source of a foul smell causing inconvenience to the inhabitants.
 To my utter dismay these colonies in Bemina which neighbours the elite goverment offices like Hajj House, SDA, Board of School Education even SKIMS Medical College Hospital (JVC) has been neglected in such as fashion that it seems in midst of the concrete jungle one has entered the stone age. The garbage and chocked drains have become an environmental hazard besides adversely impacting the health of people. Let us hope the concerned authorities wake up from their slumber and act fast as the hundreds of poor families who live in typically overcrowded houses/sheds lack very basic amenities such as clean water and sanitation etc.

By
Manzoor Wangnoo
Chairman Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation
(The ideas expressed are author’s own)

Lastupdate on : Mon, 25 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST