Srinagar, Nov 13 (KNO): Residents of Zafran Colony, Pantha Chowk, Srinagar Wednesday said that lack of ATM facility is taking a serious toll on their lives as the frequent appeals to J&K Bank authorities and the local administration since past many years continue to fall on deaf ears.
The residents said that they are facing huge inconvenience in absence of an ATM facility in the area and have to travel to either Pantha Chowk or Balhama—a distance of over three four to five kms—to withdraw money.
Latif Ahamed, a local resident, expressed frustration over the lack of ATM access in the area, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the lack of facility in the area is not causing problems for the elderly and young but students also, who at times need instant money to buy books, copies and other stuff.
“Right from Sempora to Balhama there is no ATM. Zafran colony has expanded with the number of residential houses increasing manifold over the past five years. There is a population boom and many residents from Sonawar, Dalgate, Munawarabad, Habba Kadal, Shivpora and other parts of Srinagar have shifted permanently to Zafran Colony making it densely populated area,” said Ahmed.
He said as the population increases in many areas, needs also increase. “We had a transport issue which has been resolved to some extent as E- Rickshaws are plying on the road. But despite repeated attempts from the elderly and masjid heads to ensure ATM facility in the area, J&K Bank Authorities are not paying any heed to this demand, for the reasons best known to them,” Ahmed said.
He was seconded by scores of other residents who also said that the area desperately needs an ATM facility forthwith.
Adil Bashir, another resident, echoed similar concerns saying, “The colony is home to hundreds of families and not having an ATM here is a big problem.” “It would make life much easier for everyone if a machine were set up in our area,” he added.
Meanwhile a student Umar said, “As a student, I often have to go to Pantha Chowk for simple tasks like withdrawing pocket money or paying fees. It is not only inconvenient but also takes up valuable time that could be spent studying,” he said.
Likewise, the residents are hopeful that their plea will be heard, urging the concerned authorities to consider their demands and set up an ATM in Zafran Colony, reducing the burden on the community. A group of elderly residents sought immediate intervention of J&K Bank Managing Director stating that it is high time to provide Zafran Colony with an ATM facility in the larger interests of people—(KNO)