Depletion of productive areas and virtual halt of developmental projects creates gloomy scenario in Bandipora: Bhat

Appealed educated youth and civil society to launch awareness

Bandipora Mar 06: PDP General Secretary Nizam-ud-din Bhat on Sunday said that there is constant decline in economic activities with most of the productive areas getting depleted and development projects either coming to a close or grinding halt.

In a statement Nizam-ud-din Bhat said that this is creating a gloomy scenario in the district and consequent depression in the youth who virtually see no scope for engagement in the economic, commercial and employable activities.

He said that BEACON works, NHPC activity, centrally funded projects and funding in NRHM and other developmental projects were the only hope which used to provide livelihood to skilled labour and professionals besides the vast labour class of the area.

“Since no fresh project is in offing there is likelihood of more than 90% labour class losing the sustenance. The hope of the educated youth is also dashed. The other worrying area is depletion of the forest cover and virtually lost apiculture activities. Madhumati and Arin Nallahs having dried up and Wular having squeezed, the whole water borne resource is missing,” Bhat said.

He said that closure of Gilgit road and absence of Lolab road and a bypass around Wular had already forced isolation of Bandipora and consequent poor economic condition.

Bhat said that the present scenario of resource loss, lack of generation of avenues and bleak developmental activities presents grim situation, causing an unnoticed economic recession and dependence on casual means as well as service component.

This is not a healthy trend he said adding paucity of land and depleting water level in the area is likely to cause disaster.

He appealed civil society of the area and educated youth to launch awareness to prevent economic disaster and social chaos.

“Since such situations always give rise to criminal activities, it casts and added responsibility on everyone to show concern,” he said.

Bhat said that until and unless civil society, community leaders and educated youth rise to the occasion, Bandipora will continue to face neglect on every front.

“The local administration should make statistic available on growth rate in the area through an apt indigenous planning and survey,” he said.

Bhat said that sheep and animal husbandry, apiculture, agriculture, horticulture and soil and forest conversation are the key areas which need to be attended to arrest the recession and expect growth.

Bhat said that he will soon request a conscience class of the district to get together and save the area and its people from ant eventual disaster.