Srinagar, Oct 31 (KNS): The unchecked movement of heavily loaded dumpers allegedly transporting illegally excavated earth through Narkara Link Road has triggered serious concern among residents, who say the continuous movement of heavy vehicles is damaging roads, rupturing drinking-water pipelines and obstructing traffic, including access for emergency services.

Residents have appealed to the district administration to intervene immediately, warning that continued movement of overloaded vehicles could cause extensive damage to the locality's already vulnerable civic infrastructure and potentially disrupt drinking-water supply to several residential areas.

According to residents, dumpers carrying excavated earth ply through the road from morning until late evening, allegedly exceeding permissible load limits and causing damage to the road surface at multiple locations.

They alleged that underground water-supply pipelines have repeatedly suffered damage under the pressure of heavy vehicles, resulting in pipe bursts and raising fears of a major disruption to drinking-water supply.

“This is no longer merely a question of damaged roads. Our drinking-water pipelines are being damaged repeatedly, and if a major supply line bursts, the entire locality could be left without drinking water for several days,” residents said.

They further alleged that the frequent movement of dumpers and heavy commercial vehicles has turned the narrow link road into a traffic bottleneck, creating difficulties for commuters and potentially delaying ambulances, fire tenders and other emergency vehicles.

Questioning the transportation of allegedly illegally mined material through residential areas, residents demanded an immediate inspection by the Mining Department and district administration to establish the source of the excavated earth and verify whether the vehicles possess valid permissions for its transportation.

They also sought strict action against operators found violating mining regulations, vehicle-loading limits and other applicable laws.

Residents have demanded restrictions on the movement of heavy commercial vehicles along Narkara Link Road between 9 am and 6 pm, when school, office and general traffic remains high.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

They suggested that only vehicles having genuine and essential destinations along the Narkara route should be permitted during these hours, while trucks travelling towards destinations accessible through Sebdan or other alternative routes should be diverted accordingly.

“Why should a vulnerable residential road bear the burden of heavy commercial traffic when alternative routes are available? The authorities must regulate movement before the damage becomes irreversible,” residents said.

The residents also demanded a comprehensive assessment of damage to roads and water-supply infrastructure, immediate restoration of affected stretches and recovery of repair costs from those responsible wherever legally permissible.

They urged the authorities to ensure uninterrupted access for emergency vehicles and take action against operators violating prescribed restrictions.

Calling for collective action, residents appealed to people across Narkara to raise the issue with the district administration and demand immediate preventive measures.

They warned that failure to regulate the movement of overloaded vehicles could further weaken road infrastructure, increase traffic congestion and expose the locality to a major drinking-water crisis.

“Our roads, water supply and public safety cannot be compromised for illegal mining or unnecessary heavy-vehicle movement. We want the administration to visit the area, assess the damage and act before a serious crisis unfolds,” residents said.

The residents have sought immediate intervention from the district administration, Mining Department, Traffic Police and concerned engineering departments to investigate the allegations, regulate heavy-vehicle movement and protect essential public infrastructure.

The allegations regarding illegal mining, overloading and damage to public infrastructure could not be independently verified. (KNS)