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‎Bandipora, Aug 17 (KNS): Overgrown and drooping branches of trees along the Bandipora-Srinagar road have emerged as a safety concern for motorists, with several stretches of the busy highway turning into blind curves and reducing visibility for commuters.

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‎The branches, which have extended towards the carriageway and in some places hang low over the road, obstruct the view of approaching vehicles, particularly at curves. Commuters said the problem becomes more pronounced when vehicles approach from opposite directions, leaving drivers with little time to react.

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‎The Bandipora-Srinagar road witnesses regular movement of passenger vehicles, private cars, trucks and other commercial traffic. The obstruction caused by the overgrown branches has raised concerns among commuters, who fear that poor visibility at curves could increase the risk of collisions.

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‎The issue is particularly significant on stretches where the road bends sharply, and drivers have to depend on clear sightlines to anticipate oncoming traffic. With branches extending into the road corridor, motorists are required to slow down abruptly or move towards the centre of the carriageway to get a clearer view, increasing the risk of conflict with vehicles coming from the opposite direction.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

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‎Commuters said the problem needs to be addressed before it results in an accident. They urged the authorities concerned to inspect the entire stretch and remove or trim branches that obstruct the road and compromise visibility.

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‎When contacted, Executive Engineer, Roads and Buildings (R&B) Division Bandipora, Er. Shahid Saleem, said the department was aware of the issue.

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‎“It has come to our notice and the needful will be done,” he said.

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‎The condition of roadside vegetation is a recurring road-safety concern, particularly along stretches where trees have grown close to the carriageway. While trees provide shade and help protect the roadside environment, branches that obstruct sightlines or extend into the road can become a hazard if not regularly trimmed.

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‎Commuters said a systematic inspection of the road, especially at curves and other accident-prone locations, could help identify such obstructions before they pose a greater risk. (KNS)