Srinagar, June 14: As Kashmir reels under sweltering heat, the much-needed macadamization of Srinagar’s battered roads remains a distant dream. Despite the arrival of a conducive season for roadwork, both the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) have failed to initiate the resurfacing or repair of major and link roads across the city.
From main arteries to interior lanes, roads in Srinagar are riddled with potholes and craters, causing immense inconvenience to commuters and posing serious safety hazards. Daily traffic snarls and damage to vehicles have become routine, with locals expressing anger over the administration’s apathy.
“Summer is the only time when road macadamization is possible, yet authorities are asleep. Roads in places like Bemina, Natipora, Rambagh, Batmaloo, and Downtown are in a disgraceful condition,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a local resident.
While the R&B Department is responsible for major roads, the SMC oversees link and inner-city roads. However, neither agency has so far rolled out any visible plan for repairs or blacktopping.
Many believe the absence of coordination and lack of urgency from both departments reflects administrative indifference. “The season is ripe for road work, yet not even patchwork has been initiated in many parts,” another resident remarked.
Locals have appealed to the Government to intervene and ensure that the city’s crumbling road infrastructure is addressed without further delay. [KNT]