Jammu-Srinagar National Highway called NH1A is the life line of Kashmir and Ladakh regions of the State. Maintenance of this Highway round the year is most important and essential job of the Government. Maximum transportation of men and material takes place along this Highway. And, ironically, it passes through very dangerous and difficult curves along the deep gorges of the Shivalak and Pir Panchal ranges. In particular the part of the Highway that passes through the district of Ramban is most vulnerable to landslides, mudslides, erosion owing to heavy rains and slips that wash off the road for kilometers together. The stretch of the Highway falling between 150 to 187 kilometers is in a horribly dilapidated condition with potholes, black spots, choked drainage system, lack of crash barriers, broken patches and slippage etc. All this makes transportation highly vulnerable and fraught with serious consequences. Many human lives have been lost owing to road accidents along this stretch. The problem is that the repair and maintenance of this particular stretch has been entrusted to Hindustan Construction Corporation (HCC). However, reports have been submitted to the Government by various agencies like Transport Department, Road Engineering Department and district administration that the said construction company is not delivering the goods. It is so lethargic and irresponsible that it has not been able to maintain the road up to the desired standard. We fail to understand why despite reports from very responsible quarters and also despite criminal proceedings against the company nothing tangible is happening that would show that the condition of this patch is going to be improved without further hassles. By ignoring to take action, the Government is indirectly supporting occurrence of road accidents that consume precious lives. We strongly protest against the inaction of the Government in a serious matter that pertains to the interests of the people. The very safety of commuters is at risk and the Government cannot brush aside the matter anymore.
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