Srinagar, May 5: Several public fountains across Srinagar, once showcased as symbols of the city’s urban makeover, now stand non-functional, raising concerns over maintenance and long-term planning.
At key locations including Khanyar Chowk near Gousia, Munawar Abad, Rainawari Chowk, Botakadal Mill Stop and Shereen Bagh, fountains installed under beautification projects have either stopped working completely or are functioning only intermittently, locals said.
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Residents allege that many of these installations became defunct within a short span of time, turning what were meant to be aesthetic additions into dry structures collecting dust and debris.
“There are many fountains in Srinagar, and most of them are not working,” said a local resident.
The issue has gained attention as civic authorities continue to roll out new projects. A fresh fountain is currently coming up at Alamgari Bazar, but locals remain skeptical about its future.
“This will also not work,” said a resident who wished not to be named, pointing to the condition of existing fountains across the city.
For many, the concern is not about development itself, but the lack of upkeep. Residents say that without regular maintenance, such projects fail to serve their purpose and end up becoming a drain on public resources.
“There is no point in building new fountains when older ones are lying defunct. Maintenance should be the priority,” another local said.In Srinagar, where civic upgrades have picked up pace in recent years, the challenge appears to lie in sustaining these developments over time.
Responding to the concerns, Fazlul Haseeb, Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, told Asian News Hub that the issue is being addressed.
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“There are some minor issues in some fountains. We are working on it and will make all the fountains functional,” he said.
However, residents said they will judge the situation based on visible improvements on the ground. Many believe that restoring existing fountains and ensuring their proper upkeep would go a long way in rebuilding public confidence.
As Srinagar continues its urban transformation, the condition of these fountains highlights a broader concern — whether development is being matched with proper maintenance and accountability.
