Gurez valley has attained strategic importance in view of recurring infiltration bids by our enemies. We see large scale movement of troops and transportation of military equipment on Bandipore-Gurez Road. Gurez is located about 123 kilometres to the north of Srinagar. Bandipore is the main town from where supplies come to Gurez.Lying in the lap of the Himalayas, Gurez Valley is a snow bound region where road connectivity remains cut off for six months.
But it has been made more difficult by the negligence of the Governmental authorities who have allowed the road from Bandipore to Gurez remain in a dilapidated condition. It is for years that the PWD has not done any repairing of the road and potholes have become the main features of this road. Vehicular journey from Bandipore has extended by two to three hours owing to slow speed as the vehicles have to negotiate with recurring pot holes of the road. Local population has been making strong complain to authorities but this has no impact. Local people ask the question when the PWD takes proper care of other hilly roads in the State why it discriminates the Gurez Valley for proper and safe road connectivity. Local people have strong feelings that local administration and the Border Roads Organization are ignoring the fact that local people are facing great difficulties because of unworthiness of the only link road for safe vehicular transport. This connectivity should receive attention under the PMGSY. Moreover, Defence Ministry should also take note of the bad condition of this road and should make proposals for its long term repair especially after the snow melts in early summer. It is also said that some tunnelling would also be needed to shorten the distance between Bandipore and Gurez valley.
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