Mir Aatif
Bandipora, August 20 (KINS): Residents of Quil area of Bandipora have sought immediate intervention from the district administration after recent floodwater caused damage in the area. They demanded removal of debris, restoration of drainage channels and cleaning and repair of the local irrigation network, particularly Dahgam Kul.
Residents, along with social and political activist Wasim, urged the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to carry out cleaning and desilting of canals, drainage channels and other watercourses. They said timely action was needed to prevent waterlogging and flooding during further rainfall.
Residents alleged that canal cleaning, desilting and drainage works are carried out every year and payments are reportedly made, but the results are not visible on the ground. They demanded verification of the works, examination of the funds spent and fixing of responsibility if any irregularities are found.
They also said that no permanent solution has been found to the drainage and flood-related problems in Quil. According to them, the recent situation has once again highlighted the need for long-term flood-control and drainage measures.
Residents said they had collected the debris themselves, but a vehicle from the BDO office was not sent to remove it. When media persons visited the BDO office at Aloosa, the BDO was reportedly on leave, while a garbage collection vehicle was seen parked at the office around 1 pm.
They questioned why the vehicle was not being used for garbage collection despite being available at the office.
The residents demanded a time-bound inquiry into the alleged irregularities, verification of canal, drainage and waste-management works, and proper utilisation of public funds.
They also sought an immediate assessment of the floodwater damage, removal of debris, restoration of Dahgam Kul and connected drainage channels, regular garbage clearance and long-term measures to prevent flooding and sanitation problems.
The residents said regular maintenance of drainage infrastructure and continuous monitoring by the administration could help prevent such problems from recurring in Quil.(KINS)
