Srinagar, Aug 23: Residents of Lal Bazar, Nallah-Umar Colony B, Green Lane on Saturday urged the government to expedite completion of proposed road from GD Goenka School towards Cherry Park and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Amda Kadal, citing recurring sewerage problems and concerns over pollution of Nigeen Lake.
The residents said the road is essential for providing access to existing manholes and sewerage infrastructure for regular cleaning, inspection and emergency repairs.
They said the absence of proper access makes it difficult for agencies to deploy sewer-jetting machines, suction and desludging vehicles and other maintenance equipment.
The residents said the proposed road should be treated not merely as a conventional connectivity project but as essential sewerage-maintenance, sanitation, emergency-access and environmental infrastructure.
They also raised concerns over the impact of untreated sewage on the Nigeen Lake ecosystem. Citing observations recorded by the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) in proceedings before the National Green Tribunal, the residents said untreated domestic sewage from areas including Lal Bazar has been reported as entering the Nigeen Lake system.
The representation also referred to JKPCC monitoring of Dal and Nigeen Lakes, saying water samples collected from 24 locations between January and May 2024 showed serious water-quality concerns.
Residents said sewage accumulation, overflow and backflow along the nallah pose a direct threat to households in the area, resulting in foul odour, unhygienic conditions, contamination of residential spaces and potential damage to property.
They further claimed that the road project has already been partially executed, with around 30 per cent of the work completed, land acquired and sewerage infrastructure and manholes already established.
According to the residents, failure to complete the remaining work could leave public infrastructure underutilised, make maintenance of sewerage facilities difficult and increase the risk of blockages, overflow and backflow.
They urged the government to ascertain the expenditure incurred and ensure that the remaining work is completed in a technically sound and environmentally responsible manner.
