Srinagar- The damaged wooden bridges in Saida Kadal locality of Srinagar are giving a tough time to residents. In absence of concrete bridges, residents find it difficult to travel in the inner areas of Mir Behri as wooden bridges are damaged and are prone to accidents.
The inhabitants allege many accidents have been reported and people along with their vehicles have fallen in the water body.
Interestingly, incumbent Mayor of Srinagr Junaid Azim Matoo represents the area in the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC).
Abid Hussain, a resident of Akhoon Mohalla, Saida Kadal told Kashmir Observer that past generations living in the interiors of Dal Lake have borne the brunt of illiteracy and unawareness but the new generation is not ready to give up its rights.
“The wooden bridges pose a risk to life and property of people .We the inhabitants of this area and government need to construct the requisite infrastructure for the people.
“We have witnessed exploitation at the hands of politicians in the past, but this time around we understand the realities and we won’t allow ourselves to get exploited” said Abid.
Similar views were echoed by other people who are up in arms against authorities.
“The wooden bridges have deteriorated over the period of time and it is difficult to commute especially when there is a medical emergency. We tried to approach the corporator of the area as well but our pleas have fallen to deaf ears” said Mohammad Shafi, who lives in the vicinity.
Sources said the government does not construct concrete bridges in the area as it is notified and construction is not allowed going by the government norms. But the residents allege that by labelling Mir Behri, Dal as a no construction zone, it does not change the reality that people have been living in the lake for decades and have valid papers of their properties.
Meanwhile, residents have installed a stall voluntarily to collect money from locals to get the bridges repaired.
Repeated attempts to contact Corporator Boud Dal Junaid Azim Matoo failed as he did not respond to phone calls.
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