Tasaduq Hussain
Kupwara, Feb 10: Residents of Karihama in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district have expressed resentment against the authorities for “poor maintenance” of the road leading to their area and the Polytechnic College.
The aggrieved residents said they face many challenges by the slippery and unmaintained road.
Residents said elderly people and patients in particular are struggling to pass through the hazardous road conditions, which have become a safety concern for everyone.
They said despite repeated pleas to the concerned authorities, particularly the R&B Department, no concrete step was taken to maintain the road.
“We have reached out to the authorities multiple times and urged them to address the road’s maintenance issues. However, apart from assurances, no concrete action has been taken thus far. We have also stressed the need for widening the road to facilitate the general public,” said Altaf Ahmad, a local.
Residents said two important institutions including Polytechnic College and Higher Secondary School are functioning there.
They said the drainage facilities are exacerbating the hardships for patients, elderly and students. Vehicles struggle to ply on the slippery road surface, especially during inclement weather conditions such as rain and snow, they added.
A student from the Polytechnic College, wishing anonymity, stressed the need for urgent maintenance of the road. “We need to attend college regularly and appear for exams without interruption. However, this road is full of challenges with slippery conditions,” he said.
Residents have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor-led administration to prioritise the issue and direct the concerned department to take immediate action for the welfare and convenience of the general public.
