‘4-km stretch remains neglected for decades’
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 20: Residents of Chattergul Bala in Kangan tehsil of Ganderbal district today demanded construction of a proper motorable road, alleging that several villages connected through a nearly four-kilometre stretch have remained without basic connectivity for decades.
Locals said the road branches off from the Baba Reshi Chattergul Bala main road and connects multiple habitations, including Khatana Mohalla and Khari Mohalla, comprising more than 100 households.
A resident, Abdul Qayoom Khari said the route was historically a footpath used by villagers and horses, but despite repeated assurances, it has never been upgraded into a proper road.
“This pathway was used by our forefathers on foot and horseback. Even today, we are walking on the same route. A proper road is our right, but nothing substantial has been done over the years,” he told Excelsior.
Khari said some earth-cutting work was carried out in 2019 through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) using funds from MGNREGA and the District Development Council (DDC), but the road later deteriorated due to rainfall and landslides.
“Earlier, it was somewhat usable, but now even horses cannot move on it. During medical emergencies, patients have to be carried on stretchers to the main road before they can be shifted to hospitals,” he said, adding that pregnant women and elderly residents face severe hardship due to lack of vehicular access.
Alleging political neglect, Khari said elected representatives visit the area only during elections.
“I am 32 years old, and since my childhood I have been walking on this same road. Nothing has changed,” he added.
Another resident, Chowdhary Mushtaq Ahmad, said it was unfortunate that despite rapid development in other parts of J&K, the area continues to struggle for basic road connectivity.
“In this age of development, we are still carrying patients on shoulders and horses. This is injustice with us. Proper roads are essential for development, but our area has been left behind,” he said.
Muhammad Rafiq, another resident, said villagers were informed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) had been prepared after the formation of the Government, but the project has not moved forward.
Meanwhile, Block Development Officer (BDO) Sheikh Saifullah said around Rs 4 lakh has so far been spent on the road in two phases.
“The road has been developed in two phases till now. Further extension of the work will be taken up by incorporating it into an appropriate plan so that the grievances of the residents are addressed,” the officer said.
He added that necessary approvals would be secured and further action initiated at the earliest possible.
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