SYED ZAHOOR
KREERI, BARAMULLA, Jan 7: Mounting heaps of garbage in Kreeri’s main market have turned into a serious public health concern, drawing sharp reactions from traders, residents, and daily commuters. Locals have appealed to the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla to take immediate notice of the deteriorating sanitation conditions in one of the area’s busiest commercial centres.
The main market of Kreeri, which witnesses heavy footfall throughout the day, is suffering due to irregular garbage collection and poor waste management. Piles of garbage can be seen dumped along roadsides, shop fronts, and near open drains, creating an unhygienic atmosphere and emitting a foul smell.
Several drains in the market are reportedly choked with waste, obstructing the smooth flow of wastewater and causing stagnation. The stagnant water has become an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects, raising fears of outbreaks of dengue, malaria, and other infectious diseases.
Expressing concern over the situation, local shopkeeper Gh Rasool Banday said the problem has been affecting both business and public health. “This is the main market of Kreeri, but the condition is worse than a dumping yard. Garbage remains unattended for days, and the stench is unbearable. Customers avoid coming here, and we are worried about falling sick,” he said.
Residents said the problem worsens during rainy days when blocked drains overflow, spreading dirty water across the market road and inside shop entrances. “During rains, walking through the market becomes extremely difficult,” said another trader. “There is always a fear of infections, especially for children and elderly people.”
Locals alleged that despite repeated complaints to the concerned departments, no permanent solution has been put in place. They stressed that Kreeri market caters to people from surrounding villages as well, making sanitation a critical issue that cannot be ignored.
The residents and traders have urged the district administration to ensure daily garbage collection, immediate cleaning and desilting of drains, and strict monitoring of sanitation measures. They warned that failure to act promptly could lead to serious health consequences for the local population.
People expressed hope that the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla will intervene at the earliest to restore cleanliness and protect public health in Kreeri’s main market.
