Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Aug 9: The road stretch between SMHS hospital junction point to Darish Kadal has become a nightmare for both commuters as well as the shopkeepers as the road is full of potholes and layers of dust.
Local shopkeepers said the dusty conditions have not only affected their health but also disrupted their businesses.
“Look at the road conditions, the dust is inches thick. Whenever a vehicle passes by, the entire area becomes hazy as flying dust engulfs our shops. It’s affecting our health and our livelihood,” lamented a shopkeeper.
Visitors to SMHS hospital are also facing challenges. Many are seen covering their faces with cloths to protect themselves from the dust.
Mohammad Hanief, a resident of Ganderbal, voiced his concern, saying, “I have come to see a patient, but the dust near the hospital poses a health threat not only to visitors but also to the patients inside as well.”
Notably, the road stretch is under the revamp programme of Srinagar Smart City and the work started on it has not been completed yet, leaving the road stretch in dilapidated condition.
In response to the growing concerns, a top official from the Srinagar Smart City project assured that the road resurfacing would begin within the next 24 hours.
“The resurfacing work on the road stretch from the SMHS junction to Darish Kadal will commence tonight. We will start with one side and then proceed to the other,” the official confirmed.
Meanwhile, locals in the area said that they are hopeful of road resurfacing on the road stretch as early as possible, saying that it would bring a major relief for them to carry out their normal daily life routine.
