SUHAIL RATHORE
Bandipora, 17 Nov: The Dilapidated condition of Bandipora-Checkreshipora 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 (R&B) Department is focusing on blacktopping roads in urban areas of Kashmir, rural areas of the region are facing neglect. Checkreshipora Bandipora road in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, which connects several villages with the town is dotted with large potholes, making driving and even walking an ordeal. The road is widely used by the locals from several areas to reach the district headquarters to get the basic amenities.
Similarly, dozens of villages including Ahamshareef, Arampora, Authwattoo, and Sonerwani in this Northern district are facing severe hardships 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 but to no avail,” says Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Sonerwani.
The locals blame both Government and local administration for ignoring rural areas. “Taking pregnant women and patients to the hospital is a major challenge. It is ironic that despite promises, nothing has been done to improve connectivity to the town,” said Shaista a law student.
Locals alleged the condition of the road has worsened as Roads and Buildings Department is turning a blind eye towards people's plight. “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.
Residents appeal District development commissioner Bandipora to look into the matter.