Samba, July 2: With the monsoon knocking at the door, the crucial underpass connecting the Deputy Commissioner's Office Complex, the District Court Complex, and the District Police Complex in Samba continues to remain submerged in muddy water, exposing what many describe as the negligent approach of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The underpass is the only direct access route linking the district's three key pillars of governance—administration, judiciary, and law enforcement. Every day, thousands of people, including government employees, police personnel, judicial staff, advocates, litigants, and members of the public, depend on this route to reach their workplaces and government offices.

Despite the recurring problem, no effective remedial measures have been taken. The situation has raised serious concerns among commuters, particularly in view of last year's devastating floods, when the whole area remained inundated, severely disrupting movement and official work. Citizens fear that history may repeat itself if urgent action is not taken before heavy rainfall begins.

Residents have questioned why such an important public passage continues to be neglected. They have urged the authorities to fix responsibility for the delay and ensure that the drainage and restoration work is completed on priority.

SAMBA TIMES appeals to the Deputy Commissioner, Samba, to immediately review the matter and direct the NHAI to undertake permanent corrective measures. If the project has been subcontracted, the concerned contractor should be held accountable, and appropriate penalties should be imposed for negligence and delays to prevent inconvenience to the public during the upcoming monsoon season.