Fencing of streams at vulnerable spots imperative

Besides the dilapidated roads in Srinagar and elsewhere, the commuters have been facing tough times while plying on the roads close to the streams. The roads along the embankment of the streams are mostly without fencing, thus putting the lives of the commuters at greater risk. In one such example, a lady from Srinagar died on Wednesday evening while another was injured after a vehicle they were travelling in fell into Doodhganga stream in Barzulla area here. The people have raised apprehensions that these roads without fencing could prove fatal in the future as well. Wednesday’s tragedy should serve as an example to the authorities and the concerned authorities must consider taking measures to start fencing of the streams at the vulnerable spots. There is a need to start work to identify all such vulnerable spots across Jammu and Kashmir so that the necessary measures are taken to prevent the loss of lives or injuries in the future. The link roads passing along the embankment of the streams should not be kept open any further. It is the time when the authorities should consider macadamizing and widen these roads to pave way for the smooth passage to the commuters. The congested roads close to the streams need to be widened so that the road accidents and the subsequent loss of lives is prevented at an earliest.