Locals Protest Over Neglected Road in Padshahi Bagh, Pothole-Ridden Stretch Raises Health and Safety Concerns

Srinagar, July 28, KNT: Aggrieved residents of Padshahi Bagh on the outskirts of Srinagar staged a strong protest on Monday, voicing their frustration over the deplorable condition of the main road in their locality and the overwhelming volume of traffic that chokes the area daily.

The protestors, including men, women, and elderly citizens, gathered on the damaged stretch, raising slogans against the authorities for what they termed “chronic negligence and insensitivity” towards their repeated pleas for basic infrastructure.

“This road is not just broken, it is completely shattered. Potholes, puddles, dust, and filth have made life miserable. We have protested many times, but no one listens,” said an elderly local, adding that even school children and patients suffer daily due to the road’s poor condition.

According to the residents, the road has not seen any significant repair work for years. The surface has disintegrated to a point where pools of stagnant water accumulate in the potholes after even mild rain. This not only hampers pedestrian movement but also leads to foul smells and mosquito breeding.

The protestors also highlighted the impact of the relentless traffic flow, with hundreds of vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks, buses, and private cars, passing through the area every day. “The dust clouds raised by constant vehicular movement have turned this into a gas chamber. Elderly people and children are developing breathing issues, but officials are unmoved,” said another resident, visibly agitated.

They accused the concerned departments of turning a blind eye to their grievances and demanded immediate intervention by higher authorities. “We are not asking for luxury. All we want is a motorable road and some dignity. Is that too much?” asked a local shopkeeper whose business has also been affected due to the deteriorated condition of the road.

Despite staging multiple protests over the past months, the locals said there has been no visit from municipal or R&B officials, nor any assurance of repair work.

As the protest intensified, commuters faced traffic disruptions, though locals claimed they were forced to take this step after exhausting all other means. “This is not a political stunt. This is our survival,” said one of the protestors.

Residents warned that if their demands are not met soon, they will escalate their agitation and block the road entirely.

When contacted, officials from the concerned department said they will look into the matter.