Poor drainage system near Bus stand KP road hampers movement of pedestrians, allege locals
Pedestrians, traders urge authorities to take immediate action
Anantnag: A brief spell of rain on Tuesday once again exposed the poor drainage system along the busy KP Road in Anantnag, as several stretches of the main road turned into pools of stagnant water, causing immense inconvenience to commuters and pedestrians alike.
Eyewitnesses said that even after light showers, large portions of the road—particularly near the General Bus Stand to Sarnal got submerged, making movement difficult for both vehicles and pedestrians.
“Just a few minutes of rain are enough to turn the entire stretch into a mini lake,” said Abid Ahmad, a shopkeeper at KP Road.
“We have been raising this issue for years, but the authorities seem to wake up only during inspection visits. Once the officials leave, things go back to the same condition,” he added.
Pedestrians complained that the situation becomes even worse for schoolchildren and elderly people.
“It’s risky to walk on this road during or after rain. The potholes are filled with muddy water, and one can’t even see where to step,” said Ishrat Jan, a college student.
Residents alleged that the main reason behind the recurring waterlogging is the absence of a proper drainage network and the choking of existing drains with garbage and silt.
“Drains are either missing or completely blocked. Even a small downpour results in flooding. The municipality should clean and upgrade the system before winter sets in,” said Manzoor Khan, a local trader.
Auto-rickshaw drivers and shopkeepers also expressed frustration, saying that the stagnation of water not only disrupts traffic but also affects business.
“People avoid coming to the market when the road is flooded. Customers hesitate to enter shops because of the dirty water outside,” said Bilal Ahmad, another shop owner.
Locals have appealed to the Municipal Council Anantnag and the Roads and Buildings Department to take urgent measures to address the issue. “It’s high time the administration takes this matter seriously. We don’t need temporary solutions but a complete drainage overhaul,” the residents said.
Meanwhile, an official from the Municipal Council Anantnag said that they are aware of the issue and that measures will be taken soon.
