Uniqe protest; Darhal Residents Grow Paddy on Waterlogged Road to Wake Up Officials

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

SHYAM SOOD 

RAJOURI JUNE 09:-In an unusual and symbolic protest, residents of the Darhal area in Rajouri took to cultivating paddy in stagnant water accumulated on the main road near the local bus stand. This dramatic act was a way to draw attention to the persistent civic apathy toward the waterlogging issue that has made everyday life miserable.
Residents, including Murtaza Mirza, Tabrez Malik, and Dilnawaz Malik, explained that wastewater from nearby houses and shops, coupled with leakage from Jal Shakti department pipelines, has been collecting on the road due to the absence of a proper drainage system. The resulting pool of stagnant water has made it nearly impossible for pedestrians and vehicles to pass through the area.
Despite repeated complaints and requests to the concerned departments and authorities, no concrete action has been taken so far. In an attempt to jolt the administration into action, the residents decided to plant rice crops in the waterlogged potholes and ditches of the road — a symbolic gesture to show how dire the situation has become.
They further pointed out that the accumulated water is not only inconvenient but also a health hazard, breeding mosquitoes that could lead to outbreaks of diseases like dengue and malaria. Through this unique protest, the residents aim to make the authorities realize the severity of their negligence.
The protesters have warned that if the PWD department does not take immediate and effective steps to resolve the issue, they will launch a large-scale agitation.
What the Officials Say..
When contacted, PWD’s Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) Javed Rana stated that work is already underway to pave the road and improve water drainage. However, some areas are complicated due to the presence of Jal Shakti’s water supply pipelines.
He added that removing all the pipes at once could cause a water shortage for the local population. Hence, the process is taking some time.
But he assured that a permanent solution will be implemented soon.