Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, July 24: After 78 years of independence, two villages-Ghatt and Ghath-in the Bani Sub-division of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district still remain deprived of basic infrastructure. To this day, residents of these villages cross the fast-flowing Seva river using an old rope swing, locally known as “Gururoo.”
This swing is not only outdated and worn out but also poses a constant threat to human lives. School-going children are particularly at risk as they are forced to use this makeshift rope bridge every day to reach school. With the Monsoon in full swing, the river’s water level has risen dangerously, making the “Gururoo” even more hazardous. A small mistake or a weakened rope could lead to a fatal accident, as the river below is full of strong currents and sharp rocks.
Locals say they have repeatedly appealed to the administration and elected representatives for a permanent bridge, but all they have received are empty promises. “We have been hearing the same assurances for years, but nothing has changed on the ground,” said a resident.
Chagar Singh, a local villager, stated, “Children do go to school, but every day their parents live in fear that the swing might collapse. Is this the development we are promised?”
This crisis is not limited to just these two villages-many other remote hill areas face similar challenges and remain deprived of basic necessities like roads, electricity, medical facilities, and safe river crossings.
The villagers and students passing through this danger zone crticised the district administration, public representatives and Government claims on development. The real picture of on ground development is seen daily by unfortunate residents crossing this river throwing their lives in grave risk. Even the companies generating power and earning huge profit also neglect the local people under local area development programme.
It is imperative that the district administration, local representatives, and the State Government take immediate and effective action to address this life-threatening issue.
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