Baramulla, Dec 1: A choked drain at Kanispora on the Srinagar–Baramulla highway has turned into a serious hazard, with rainwater overflowing onto the road and posing grave risks to commuters and residents.
Residents say the constant flow of drain water onto the highway has narrowed the motorable stretch, making the area prone to accidents. They describe the situation as a “death trap.”
“The accumulated water reduces the space for vehicles. Drivers often swerve to avoid the water, causing their vehicles to tilt, which has led to many accidents—some of them fatal,” said Bashir Ahmad of Kanispora.
Ahmad said Kanispora is a residential area on both sides of the highway, yet the choked drain continues to be ignored by the authorities, even though officials pass through the stretch daily during travel between Baramulla and Srinagar.
Musharaf Bhat, another resident, said the problem has persisted for more than five years despite repeated pleas. “Crossing the highway has become extremely difficult for locals, especially students. Several mishaps in the past have resulted in fatalities,” he said.
Locals also highlight that Kanispora lies on uneven terrain, with one side of the highway at a higher elevation. As a result, the overflowing drain water moves into the low-lying residential areas, causing further hardship.
“The water flows straight into our colony, creating huge problems for us. No one is listening. We appeal to the LG administration to intervene immediately and address this long-pending issue,” said Harminder Singh, a resident.
Residents say the continued neglect of the choked drain is not just an inconvenience but a serious threat to public safety that demands urgent attention.
