Handwara, Jul 12 (KNO): Handwara bus stand in north Kashmir is in a pathetic condition reflecting the apathy of concerned authorities as it continues to be in a shambles condition with heaps of garbage lying there creating an unhealthy environment.
Locals and those who run their businesses besides the transporters raised concerns that the condition of the new bus stand is very pathetic. They stated that the heaps of garbage lying there have not been cleared for years now.
The huge potholes within bus stands have been giving tough time to the commuters for two years but authorities seem to be unmoved, adding to the woes of people, the aggrieved locals told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
The inhabitants and shopkeepers said that the huge potholes within bus stands are often filled with muddy rainwater. "It has become a common scene to see passengers run away to avoid being splashed with muddy water whenever vehicles come near a pothole," they said.
The shopkeepers running shops in the bus stand said that although the previous year a small portion was macadamized unknowingly the majority of the area was left out thus putting the people into a lot of inconvenience.
They also said that they have multiple times approached the higher authorities about the maintenance of the bus stand. "Stand looks like a major dustbin despite being one of the biggest in dimensions serving thousands of people daily. It has not only been a hurdle but also caused health issues."
General Bus stand representatives said that they were assured by the administration several times to clear the garbage and properly macadamize it. "So far despite assurances nothing has been done on ground level. People in thousands each day visit this stand."
They said that passengers are the worst sufferers. "Passenger sheds are missing and toilets constructed haven't been made functional so far. People are facing immense challenges. Not only people, even the vehicles operating here each day face some snags due to major potholes here," they said.
Raising concerns they said that people come from far-off places to reach their destinations. "Our women suffer in the absence of a passenger shed and functional toilet facility which is a major setback."
They demanded immediate black topping of the bus stand to fill up the potholes, so that the miseries being faced by the general public may end.
They have also demanded that the heaps of garbage lying there be lifted early and toilets constructed and made functional without any delay—(KNO)