Inundated road (left) and land (right) in Naqashband colony of Agrikalan, Magam.

Defunct Drainage Drowns Agrikalan’s Naqashband Colony Streets, Adjacent 500 Kanals of Land

Owais Ayoub

Magam 12 January (KNB): The residents of Naqashband Colony, Agrikalan Magam (Block Khour) have been suffering from years with the issue of defunct drainage in their area, following the construction of concrete alley by the Rural Development Department (RDD), leading its overflow and inundation of the streets, adjacent 500 kanals of land and compounds of locals’ homes. 

According to the locals of Naqashband, the drainage had failed after the RDD led the construction of concrete alleyway of the area. They said that the drainage water is inundating the streets and is entering into their homes, creating a severe problem for them.

“It has been several years since we are facing this issue. We are not able to come out of our homes. The children and elders face many problems due to the stagnant drainage water in the streets,” said a local, adding, that the drainage water has submerged the nearby land, which is almost 500 kanals, rendering it useless. 

The locals also alleged that they had approached the concerned officials a lot of time and nothing was done from their part. “We had been to different officials before regarding the disposal of the issue, and later some officials had visited the area, but nothing was implemented after that,” they added. 

Later, the locals appealed to the authorities to redress them from the problem which has been there for the last couple of years.  

While the Kashmir News Bureau contacted BDO Khour, Bashir Ahmad, regarding the issue, he said that the complaint regarding the issue was received earlier, but it is sub-judice and lies with the SDM Pattan currently.

However, when KNB sought the view of SDM Pattan on the issue, Syed Faheem, he said: “I have no knowledge about the matter, and I will contact BDO Khour regarding the issue.” (KNB)