Tanveer Hussain
Srinagar, Sept 26 (JKNS): Congress leader Sameer Bhat, while addressing a press conference, expressed concern over the increasing traffic pressure caused by the ongoing construction of the Tengpora flyover and urged the administration to examine the feasibility of creating an alternative route to ease congestion in the area.
Sameer Bhat said that traffic pressure in Srinagar is increasing day by day, while the ongoing flyover construction near the bypass has further aggravated the traffic situation at Tengpora, which was already witnessing a major bottleneck.
He said the road leading towards Budgam also passes through the same point, while the ongoing construction work has reduced the available road width, affecting the smooth movement of traffic.
Bhat said that a delegation had met the Vigilance Commissioner yesterday and proposed that, if feasible, a few feet of additional space could be made available on either side near the BSF camp below Tengpora to create an additional corridor for traffic.
He said such an alternative route could provide an additional passage for commuters travelling towards and from Sebdan, Budgam and adjoining areas, thereby helping reduce daily traffic pressure and congestion at Tengpora.
Sameer Bhat said that a joint site inspection by all concerned departments could help assess the actual traffic bottleneck and determine whether a few feet of additional space on either side could facilitate smoother movement along the existing carriageway and improve road connectivity.
He also urged the authorities to explore the possibility of extending the route further and opening an access road through the available Indian Railways land on the other side of Budgam Railway Station towards the northern point.
According to Bhat, such an additional route could provide commuters with an alternative passage and help them avoid congestion on the existing road network.
He further called for integrated traffic planning across the wider Budgam area, particularly at Narbal, an important gateway to the district, as well as at Arath and other congested locations.
Drinking Water Shortage in Budgam District
Sameer Bhat also expressed concern over the shortage of drinking water in various areas and villages of Budgam district. He said that people in several areas are facing difficulties in accessing drinking water, which is a basic necessity.
He appealed to the government, the Jal Shakti Department, the Divisional Commissioner and the district administration to conduct an immediate assessment of drinking water availability across Budgam district and its villages and take appropriate measures wherever shortages are being reported.
He said ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is essential and urged the concerned authorities to assess the ground situation and take prompt steps to address the issue.
Bhat said that the delegation had also raised the issue of basic facilities for people in the affected areas, particularly access to drinking water, with the concerned authorities.
He appealed to the government through the media, especially the Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, to examine the traffic and drinking water-related issues at the earliest and take appropriate measures in the larger public interest.
He said the delegation had approached the authorities as representatives of the public to seek an early resolution to the Tengpora traffic issue as well as other basic problems being faced by people in different areas of Budgam.
Sameer Bhat thanked the concerned authorities and the media for giving attention to these important public issues. (JKNS)
