Srinagar, Feb 20, KNT: The footpath along Srinagar’s Dal Lake is facing severe erosion, with a major portion of the path near Ghat Number 17 collapsing on Tuesday. Local residents and frequent visitors have raised alarm over the deteriorating condition of the walkway, blaming an unchecked rat infestation for weakening the soil and causing cracks along the Boulevard stretch.
Locals told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that rats have burrowed deep into the soil from Ghat Number 1 up to Ghat Number 17, creating thousands of holes and cracks in the pathway. The rodent population has surged due to the availability of leftover food and waste that people discard along the footpath. The persistent burrowing has led to soil erosion, making the ground weak and unstable.
“The soil is already fragile, and the path is not properly cemented or reinforced. With rats present in such large numbers, the erosion has worsened, leading to today’s collapse near Ghat Number 17,” said a concerned local boatman.
Residents and shopkeepers along the Boulevard have urged the administration to take immediate action to reconstruct the damaged footpath with proper reinforcement. They also stressed the need for a rat control drive to prevent further erosion and damage to the lakefront infrastructure.
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“There is a need for better waste management along Dal Lake to prevent rodents from thriving along the Dal Lake footpath. [KNT]
