Budhal Gabbar Road Submerged by Rainwater, Traffic Severely Disrupted ; Dilapidated Road, Blocked Drainage System, and Years of Neglect Exposed

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

ZAHID SHAH 

BUDHAL , JUNE 27:-Today afternoon rainfall once again exposed the poor condition of basic road infrastructure in the Budhal area of Rajouri district. Several roads in the region were submerged due to the rain, but the 10-kilometre Budhal–Gabbar road, constructed under the PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana), was the worst affected.

The drainage system completely failed, causing rainwater to flow rapidly over the road surface. The road resembled a stream, severely disrupting traffic movement. Several vehicles were stranded, and commuters faced immense hardship.

According to local residents, the construction of the road began in 2008 and was completed in 2018. However, since its completion, the road has not received proper maintenance or regular repairs. As a result, its condition has deteriorated significantly. Deep potholes have developed at several locations, the road surface has been badly damaged, and the roadside drainage system has become completely dysfunctional.

Residents stated that the roadside drains are clogged with mud, stones, and debris, preventing rainwater from flowing through its natural channels. Consequently, water overflows onto the road during every rainfall, turning this vital link road into a flowing stream and causing serious inconvenience to the public. They added that despite repeated representations to the concerned department, no permanent solution has been provided.

Mohammad Shabir Lohar, resident of Bathan village, said that rainwater entered his house and agricultural land located just a few metres from the road, causing considerable damage. He blamed the blocked drainage system, stating that water from the roadside drains overflowed into his home and fields. He further said that he had repeatedly informed the concerned department about the issue, but no concrete action has been taken so far.

Expressing strong resentment, local residents said that the Budhal–Gabbar road has become a source of hardship rather than a public facility. Its worsening condition, deep potholes, non-functional drainage system, and the continued negligence of the concerned department have made the road hazardous for commuters. Even moderate rainfall disrupts transportation, creating serious difficulties for patients, students, government employees, and the general public.

The residents have urged the District Administration and the PMGSY authorities to undertake immediate and comprehensive repairs of the road, ensure the clearance of blocked drains, and implement a regular maintenance plan to prevent recurring problems and provide much-needed relief to the public.