ASHWANI SHARMA Early Times Report UDHAMPUR, Aug 13: Residents and commuters have urged the District Administration, Udhampur, and the concerned department to immediately undertake repair and blacktopping of the Shani Mandir, Ward No. 21, Dandyal to Dandyal Bowli/School Road, which has deteriorated badly and has become a major concern for locals. The nearly one-kilometre-long stretch witnesses regular movement of students going to Dandyal School and College, besides women and other residents who frequently use the route to reach the Bowli for fetching water. Locals said the condition of the road has further worsened after recent rains. Rainwater flowing from the Khambis area passes over the road due to the absence of a proper drainage system, resulting in deep potholes, uneven surfaces, and damaged drainage structures. The poor condition of the road is causing serious inconvenience to commuters and increasing the risk of accidents and damage to vehicles, especially during the monsoon season. Rattan Lal, a 70-year-old local resident, said that the road has remained in a highly damaged condition for a long time and has become particularly difficult for elderly people, students, and women to use. He urged the authorities to repair the drainage system and blacktop the road at the earliest. The residents have appealed to the District Administration and the concerned department to take up the issue on priority and carry out immediate drainage clearance and blacktopping so that safe and smooth movement can be restored. They said timely intervention would provide much-needed relief to hundreds of residents and students who depend on this road for their daily commute. When contacted, the Xen PWD Udhampur said that due to the ongoing rainy season, immediate large-scale work is difficult. He stated that once the weather improves, the drainage system will be properly cleared and repair work, including blacktopping of the road, will be taken up on priority. |