Baramulla residents demand relocation of streetlights blocking footpath on cement bridge

Baramulla, Mar 27: The ill-conceived installation of decorative streetlights on the footpath of a cement bridge in Baramulla has bewildered residents, as the poles have been erected in the middle of the pavement, obstructing pedestrian movement and causing inconvenience to commuters.

Residents said that instead of facilitating safe passage, the newly installed lights have narrowed the already limited walking space, forcing pedestrians to step onto the busy road. “We don’t understand the motive behind installing these streetlights in the middle of the footpath. How can authorities block pedestrian movement in the name of beautification?” said Firdous Ahmad, a local commuter. The cement bridge in Baramulla is one of the key links connecting the Old Town with the Civil Lines area.

It witnesses heavy traffic throughout the day, with vehicles bound for Handwara, Kupwara, and Rafiabad passing through it. Due to the heavy traffic movement, pedestrians extensively use the footpaths of the bridge. However, with the reduced space now available, it has become extremely difficult for them to walk safely. Traders Federation Baramulla president, Tariq Ahmad Mughloo, while expressing concern, questioned the planning behind the project, stating that pedestrian needs appear to have been overlooked. “The Municipal Council Baramulla must relocate these streetlights. Development should not come at the cost of public convenience. Proper planning could have ensured both lighting and smooth movement,” he said. The locals have expressed strong resentment over what they termed an “ill-conceived execution” and have urged the Municipal Council Baramulla to shift the poles to a more suitable location. They appealed to the authorities to reassess the installation and ensure that footpaths remain accessible and safe for pedestrians, rather than becoming another obstacle in their daily commute.