Suhail Bhat
BANDIPORA, Apr 29: Dilapidated condition of Sunderwani- Bandipora road in North Kashmir’s Bandipra district is a nightmare for the people in the area, especially for the school children and the sick people.
Although the Roads and Building Department is focusing on blacktopping roads in urban areas of Kashmir, rural areas of the region are facing neglect. One such road is a Sunderwani road in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, which connects several villages with the town. It is dotted with big potholes, making walking and driving an ordeal. The road is widely used by the locals from several areas to reach the district headquarters to get the basic amenities.
Dozens of villages including Kralpora, Paethkoot, Bonkoot, Sunderwani, and Ajas in this Northern district are facing problems due to bad condition of roads. “We have been waiting for the repair of roads for several years, but nobody is taking an interest. Several deputations have raised the issue with the administration and the local MLA, but to no avail,” says Rashid Dar, a resident of Kralpra.
The locals blame both Government and local administration for ignoring rural areas. “Taking pregnant women and patients to hospital is a major challenge. It is ironic that despite promises, nothing has been done to improve connectivity to the town,” said Rashid Ahmad, a college student.
Locals alleged the condition of the road has worsened after it was handed over to the Roads and Buildings Department as it is paying least attention to the road. “Till last year the authorities were carrying the minor repair works. The road has not seen any repair work form last one year and that has worsened its condition,” a local said.
“The road was built a long time back for the light vehicles but the heavy trucks carrying material for the construction of Kishan Ganga Project ruined the road,” a local said, adding that the road is dotted with deep ditches.
Executive Engineer R&B Bandipora, Sajad Ahmad said tenders have been floated for the temporary restoration of the road and the work will start after the process is complete. “We have already invited the tenders for the temporary repair work in order to provide a quick breather to the people,” he said, adding the tendering process for the permanent restoration of the road will start in next two months.
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