Srinagar- Commuters have long complained of bumpy rides in Srinagar but authorities have failed to get the roads blacktopped. Usually roads are blacktopped during the start of the summer months but last year authorities have failed to macadamize city roads on time.
The roads in the city are full of potholes and travelling has become very difficult. Some roads have not been macadamized in the last few years.
The authorities are delaying macadamization for reasons better known to them. Apart from causing problems for local commuters, bad roads in and around the city are maligning the image of Kashmir as a top tourist destination.
The residents of several localities of north Kashmir accuse the district administration of subjecting them to inconvenience due to the dilapidated condition of several roads.
For instance locals of a Bandipora village said that the road connecting Bagh locality with district hospital, has developed huge potholes as the concerned department has failed to upgrade its condition.
“This particular road is in extremely bad condition and the dust makes it difficult to breathe especially for those who are commuting on foot and riding two-wheelers,” they said. The locals said that the another road from Papchan to mini-secretariat via Nusoo is also presenting a pathetic look, while those in the rest of the town are also craving for official attention.
“The administration seems to have forgotten these roads including major link roads which connect several areas with district headquarters. No work has been taken up for the last so many years,” they added.
The residents of Sumlar, Kaloosa, and Chuntimulla villages of same district also accused the local administration of failing to upgrade the condition of the roads even as these roads have developed huge potholes.
