Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 11: The shopkeepers at Saifco Plaza in Batamaloo are facing immense hardships due to the defunct drainage system which inundates the entire market, forcing the shopkeepers to close down for days together.
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The affected shopkeepers said that the drainage overflow inundates the premises due to the defunct drainage system even as the concerned department has failed in addressing the issue so far.
“We have been following the matter with the UEED and SMC, but they are telling us that the drain is functioning but needs a bit of cleaning; however, they have not so far taken up the matter,” said Manzoor Ahmad of Batamaloo Traders Association.
He said that the drainage overflow affects their shops and whenever there is rain, the overflow enters their shops, forcing them to shut down. He added that the concerned department is taking care of the inlets, “but they are not concerned about the outlet of the drainage which is creating problems.”
The shopkeepers said that they have taken up the matter with the concerned Executive Engineer who 3 months ago told them that their matter will be resolved within 15 days. “They are being callous and with the result, we are suffering,” the shopkeepers said.
They also said that due to the water entering their shops, they have suffered losses of at least 50 lakh rupees. “This complex houses over 150 who are all suffering due to the official apathy,” they said.
The shopkeepers appealed to the concerned department to resolve the matter without any delay. “The Govt has not been addressing our issues for long now and if they continue with the same, we will now be forced to come out on roads to press for our issues,” they said.
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