SRINAGAR: For several years now, the residents of Barsoo village in Tehsil Awantipora have been enduring severe hardships due to a critical drainage problem at Main Stop Barsoo — a situation that emerged during the construction of the Four-Lane NH-44 project executed by Ramky Infrastructure Limited.
The natural flow of rainwater and surface runoff from the upper reaches of Barsoo was inadvertently blocked during the highway construction, causing waterlogging and frequent flooding in the area. Commuters, residents, and businesses have borne the brunt of this persistent infrastructural failure, facing immense inconvenience and safety hazards.
In an attempt to mitigate the problem, a narrow culvert was constructed beneath the road. However, this culvert frequently clogs and fails to perform its intended function. As a temporary arrangement, surface water is diverted into an L-shaped side drain. Unfortunately, this drain often overflows, spilling water onto the main road and posing serious risks to both pedestrians and motorists.
The gravity of the situation demands urgent attention and immediate remedial measures. The residents and local representatives have put forth the following key demands:
Construction of a direct, linear drainage channel by NHAI PIU Srinagar, linking the affected area to the River Jhelum to permanently resolve the issue.
Inspection by the Revenue Department is needed to identify any encroachments obstructing the original drainage paths, with strict action being taken to retrieve and restore the corridor where necessary.
It would be great if NHAI and Ramky Infrastructure authorities could quickly implement a quick and effective solution.
Despite repeated representations to departments like Rural Development, Revenue, and the local administration, no tangible steps have been taken to address this long-standing grievance. The neglect has not only caused repeated disruptions but has also exposed the community to ongoing health and safety risks.
We appeal to the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir to personally intervene in the matter, given the prolonged administrative inaction. The residents hope that with high-level intervention, the issue will finally receive the attention and resolution it has long deserved.
The people of Barsoo await a swift and sincere response before another season of rains exacerbates their suffering.