Kishtwar, June 10, KNT: Shopkeepers from the Jamia Masjid market and Bus Stand market in Kishtwar on Wednesday staged a protest against persistent waterlogging, poor sanitation conditions and the quality of blacktopping work carried out on National Highway-244, alleging official indifference to their grievances.
Raising slogans against the district administration, Municipal Committee Kishtwar and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the protesters said filthy sewage water continues to inundate key market areas, severely affecting business activity and public movement.
The protest highlights growing resentment among traders who claim that despite repeated complaints, civic and drainage issues remain unresolved, causing hardship to both shopkeepers and customers.
According to the protesting traders, dirty water regularly accumulates around the Jamia Masjid market and adjoining commercial areas, while several shops are also being affected by the inflow of sewage water during periods of inundation.
The shopkeepers alleged that customers are increasingly avoiding the affected markets due to unhygienic conditions, resulting in financial losses for traders already struggling with declining footfall.
They further criticized the quality of blacktopping work on NH-244, alleging that poor execution of road works has worsened drainage problems and contributed to water accumulation in commercial areas.
Protesters claimed that no meaningful intervention has taken place despite the issue persisting for a considerable period. They alleged that officials from the concerned departments have failed to adequately address the situation or provide a long-term solution.
The traders demanded immediate measures to improve drainage, prevent sewage overflow, address waterlogging around the Jamia Masjid area and examine the quality of infrastructure works being carried out in the town.
The protest concluded with the shopkeepers warning that they would intensify their agitation if their demands continue to go unaddressed. [KNT]
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