Budgam, October 15 : Residents of several villages in Khag tehsil of central Kashmir’s Budgam district have urged the government to construct a bridge over a nallah along the main road connecting Habber and Shunglipora villages, saying frequent flash floods and heavy water flow disrupt traffic and cause immense inconvenience to commuters.
The residents said that during periods of heavy rainfall and flash floods, stones and debris carried by the nallah accumulate on the road, forcing its closure for several days.
They said the recurring problem affects daily commuters, students, patients and nomadic families travelling to the higher reaches of the Tosamaidan area.
Abdul Khaliq Malik, a resident of Shunglipora village, told that Rising Kashmir that the nallah, which flows from the higher reaches through the village, crosses the main road, making it vulnerable to disruption during periods of heavy water flow.
“During flash floods, stones and debris carried by the nallah block the main road, disrupting traffic for several days until the road is cleared and reopened. People have to face considerable difficulties because of the repeated closure,” Malik said.
He said the road is an important route connecting Khag and surrounding villages with the tourist destination of Tosamaidan and other areas of Budgam district.
Malik said the closure of the road creates serious problems during medical emergencies, as residents are forced to look for alternative routes to transport patients to hospitals.
“The closure also affects students studying in schools, colleges and other educational institutions, as they are unable to reach their classes on time,” he said.
Highlighting the difficulties faced by nomadic communities, Malik said the road is also used by shepherds and Gujjar and Bakerwal families who migrate to the higher reaches of Tosamaidan with their livestock.
He said the accumulation of stones and debris on the road during flash floods makes it difficult for these families to cross the affected stretch, disrupting their seasonal movement.
“We have already requested the government to construct a bridge on this road, but unfortunately, no work has been carried out on the ground so far,” Malik said, urging the authorities to take immediate steps to address the issue.
Yasir Bashir, a student from Habber village, said the repeated closure of the road affects students and other commuters, particularly during flash floods and periods of heavy water flow.
“Students travelling to schools and colleges are unable to cross the road when it remains blocked. Traffic movement is also disrupted for several days. The government should consider the difficulties faced by students who miss their classes because of the closure,” Bashir said.
He urged the authorities to take up the construction of a bridge at the vulnerable stretch to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement for residents.
An official of the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department said the department would look into the matter.
