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WE THE PEOPLE

Inordinate delay and unplanned execution of NH-Bypass Project has led to cost escalation besides structural damages

Hence people seek CM's intervention, demand effective drainage system and speedy completion of Highway

By: Ahlam Masoodi

Srinagar: With launching of multi-crore National Highway Bypass Project, it was expected that it would divert heavy vehicular traffic and thereby ease pressure on Srinagar city's main highway from Panthachowk to Parimpora, but it has not happened as the Project work has been going on at a snail's pace. Besides the Project work has disrupted age-old irrigation system and aggravated drainage problem. Large residential settlements on either side of the Highway turn into cesspools whenever there is minor or major precipitation in the valley as there is no effective drainag system available in the area. Inordinate delay in its completion has resulted into escalation of Project cost and unplanned execution has damaged a large number of residential houses, which have developed cracks due to vibrations.

It is worth mentioning that the Government of India launched a massive Highway Construction Programme during NDA Rule to develop connectivity between North and South and under the same Plan approved Rs.168 crore for the construction of 4-lane By-Pass Project from Panthachowk to Parimpora in Kashmir Valley. This is a part of the corridor from Kashmir to Kaniyakumari, but the work of the highway disrupted irrigation and drainage system all along its run quite adversely. There was a foolproof irrigation system available in the area earlier to the construction of the highway, which would help in the growth of paddy on a large scale. The State Government had constructed necessary headworks and cross-drainage works to ensure uninterrupted irrigation supplies to the fields located in the areas. The officials of the Irrigation Department used to recover Abiana from the farmers and would in turn provide them requisite quantities of water to irrigate their fields. Although drainage system had not been improved in the area, yet surface drains would cater to the needs of the residents. But it is unfortunate that the Project Authorities of National Highway By-Pass could not anticipate the adverse effect of their Project work and thus drainage system stands wiped out completely. Construction of heavy embankment has given rise to the submergence of the built-up areas located on either side of the highway, putting thereby thousands of residents to unbearable hardships. The water-carriage system in the area has been affected adversely as most of the areas remain inundated during wet season. Such a situation has forced the Project Authorities to construct a deep drain, which is not a viable solution. There is urgent need to have a deep drain on either side of the highway from Rawalpora to Tengpora in the first stage. This portion is totally built-up and hence presently affected quite adversely. Moreover, bridges constructed across river Jehlum and Doodganga Nallah at Rawalpora and Tengpora have yielded to moving loads completely and hence need reconstruction on top priority basis. Moreover, the old bridges need upgradation to accommodate 4-lane moving loads.

“ We need improvement and upgradation of Jammu-Baramulla highway plus new tunnel to keep the traffic operational round the year. We face lot of hardships in the city belt, where number of vehicles has multiplied, but roads are the same which were during Maharaja's rule. Our Planners have never been pragmatic and realistic. Had they been so, they would never allow heavy influx of vehicles into the Valley till the road network would get upgraded. We don't have requisite number of fly-overs and a casual survey in a helicopter will show that the city roads have been turned into long parking slots. The vehicles move at a tortoise speed due to heavy number of vehicles plus non-availability of electronic gadgets have led to chaos and consequent traffic congestion. Our traffic cops play a truant and are seldom visible on traffic beats. The rate of road accidents has increased multifold with no one to offer a remedy. The National Highway By-Pass could act as a safety valve, but we need many such escape routes to provide relief to people of the valley”, said a group of senior citizens of Kashmir valley.

The Project has reportedly suffered due to frequent transfer of engineers, indecision and lack of drive and dash. Hence people seek Chief Minister's intervention so that pace of work is speeded up to ensure its completion to avoid further cost escalation. There is urgent need to construct deep drains on either side of the highway to control submergence of residential houses located on either side of the highway. Moreover, existing damaged bridges need to be reconstructed to ensure free movement of heavy vehicles. Whether this is done remains to be seen!