Muzaffarabad Residents Demand Urgent Road Repairs Amid Rising Traffic Concerns

Residents of Muzaffarabad staged a protest urging the government to repair and expand the road from Shaheed Gali to Garhi Habibullah. They cite traffic congestion, frequent accidents, and difficulties faced by school children. Protesters also raised environmental concerns associated with unauthorized hill-cutting activities.

Residents of Muzaffarabad gathered to demand urgent repairs and widening of the deteriorating road from Shaheed Gali to Garhi Habibullah, citing severe traffic congestion and numerous accidents. Children commuting to school face significant delays due to frequent traffic jams and hazardous road conditions.

Prominent protester Manzoor Ali Shah warned the government of a larger protest movement if immediate action is not taken. Shah lamented the lack of response from authorities and political leaders, emphasizing the community’s frustration and the number of accidents affecting school-going children. 'The authorities are aware but remain silent,' said Shah, stressing the need to bring this issue to the government's attention.

Protesters also pointed out that heavy traffic has significantly damaged the sewage system and road infrastructure. They called for a restriction on heavy traffic to prevent further degradation. There are also concerns about unauthorized hill-cutting activities that violate Supreme Court guidelines, causing environmental pollution and health risks. 'Heavy traffic has destroyed the sewage system and roads. This must stop. Machines cutting hills are spreading diseases and must be halted,' said protester Abu Usman.

The deteriorating infrastructure poses severe threats to disaster preparedness in PoJK, a region susceptible to natural disasters like earthquakes and landslides. Effective evacuation and relief efforts are compromised when roads are in poor condition, increasing community vulnerability during such crises.