Muzaffarabad Residents Protest for Better Roads and Safety
Residents of Muzaffarabad in PoJK gathered to protest, demanding repairs and widening of the road from Shaheed Gali to Garhi Habibullah. They cited traffic congestion and several accidents due to the road’s poor condition.
Concerns Raised by Protesters
Protesters, including Manzoor Ali Shah, expressed that children face difficulties commuting to school amidst frequent traffic jams, which have also resulted in several accidents. Shah warned that if immediate action is not taken, a larger protest movement would be mobilized.
Another protester, Abu Usman, highlighted that heavy traffic has severely damaged the sewage system and road infrastructure. He recommended stopping the flow of heavy traffic to prevent further deterioration and risks.
Environmental and Health Risks
Protesters pointed out that some individuals are using machinery to cut into hills, which goes against Supreme Court guidelines. This activity not only pollutes the environment but also poses health risks by disturbing natural habitats and ecosystems.
Implications for Disaster Preparedness
The worsening infrastructure in PoJK has serious implications for disaster preparedness and response. In a region prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and landslides, robust infrastructure is critical for effective evacuation and relief efforts. However, inadequate infrastructure and bad roads complicate emergency response, increasing the vulnerability of communities during crises.
