Snowfall aftermath: Valley still paralyzed

People aghast over condition of roads Authorities claim to have restored vital links
Srinagar: More than 650 houses including residential commercial ones were damaged due to the massive snowfall that shook valley on March 11.
According to the reports received by KNS, the electricity supply continues to remain affected in various areas across Kashmir valley on Thursday with the authorities claiming t has restored around 60 percent of the supply. People belonging to various areas of Srinagar city Thursday complained that the SMC officials once again failed to clear the now on roads and dewater the streets that virtually have turned into cesspools.  The residents of Chanpora, Safa Kadal, Hari Singh high street, Lal Bazar, Zakura and various others told KNS over phone that they are unable to move out of their houses due to the heavy presence of water on Streets. People also seem aghast over the absence of concerned ward officers- stating that the authorities have left the Srinagarites in the midst of worst crises.
In most of the areas, the shops and business establishments remained closed on Thursday due to the huge presence of water and snow on roads.
Due to the closure of Jammu- Srinagar highway during the past three days- people stated that the dearth of necessities has emerged and the rates of the available essential commodities have been hiked without any reason. “The market checking squad is nowhere. The snow is not being cleared. We still have no water supplies restored, what the government is doing to the people?” said Mir Mukhtar Ahmad- resident of old city.
Commenting over the restoration of electricity in valley, authorities Thursday claimed to have restored its major portion and the rest if being done on priority basses. It was stated further that complete electricity restoration will be done by March 14.
It was further claimed that 75 dewatering pumps, 45 mobile pumps and 15 fire and emergency tenders were put in service to clear water from various inundated areas of the city.  Besides, snow was cleared from the compounds of various hospitals on priority to ensure hassle-free movement of people for Medicare facilities.

The reports informed further that the rail links in Kashmir were restored at large and that after the improvement in weather conditions, the services were resumed. The massive snow clearance operation was launched at various areas including banihal, Anantnag and Baramullal rain tracks. (KNS)