Srinagar, 05-Jan;: Business unit holders of Parimpora mandi area of summer capital Srinagar on Wednesday expressed resentment against authorities for failing in macadamizing Fruit Mandi inner road.The traders appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene and ensure blacktopping of roads.The locals told that the internal junction that connects the Parimpora area to By-Pass via Fruit Mandi stretch is full of potholes and expressed resentment against authorities for failing in macadamizing roads.Traders of Fruit Mandi told that the area witnesses a huge rush of people each day. However, internal roads of Mandi are “posing danger to commuters and pedestrians in both odd and even weather vagaries”.“Though this Fruit Mandi ranks high at national level unfortunately the concerned departments are not paying attention in revamping its structure,” they said.The locals added that the matter was brought to the notice of concerned officials repeatedly but without avail.“If one has to offer prayers inside the Mosque, they have to cross scores of deep potholes and in wet weather locals and shopkeepers prefer to offer prayers inside homes and shops as bad conditions of roads do not allow them to step outside,” he said.Meanwhile Chief spokesperson of KTMF (R) Kashmir Traders Federation Hilal Ahmed Mandoo said that the fruit mandi which falls in this area is considered the largest mandi in Asia but on other hand is in dilapidated condition for last 10 years.“We are demanding only basic facilities which are our right like roads, electricity and water. We have to use long shoes even in summer. Why are we being ignored, aren’t we paying taxes. This road has become like a Dal lake,” he said.“If administration is not going to take steps for our demands we have to choose other ways from our demands. We are traders, we don’t believe in violence, we are citizens of India, we are taxpaying citizens, why are being ignored. We request administration to fulfil our demand at earliest so that we can continue our business without hindrances,” he said.Notably, the Parimpora Fruit Mandi was established in the year 1982 by J&K Government, which spreads over 320 kanals of land. The Mandi houses Fruit business outlets, transport yard, a branch of Jammu & Kashmir Bank Ltd., petrol pump, automobile mechanic ventures etc.However, locals rued the official apathy and said the “future of Mandi seems bleak.”(CNS)
