Abdul Basit
Bandipora, May 15: In the picturesque village of Zurmenz of Bandipora district nestled amidst the tranquil landscapes, a peculiar situation has unfolded. The village administration, eager to attract tourists and boost local economy, had established a gazebo point, also doubling as a selfie point, in hopes of drawing visitors from far and wide. The idea seemed promising, as tourists often seek such scenic spots to capture memorable moments. However, what seemed like a promising endeavor soon turned into a bitter irony for the villagers.
Zurmenz Village witnessed no significant development, despite the establishment of the much-publicized gazebo point. The villagers had high hopes that the influx of tourists would bring prosperity and improvements to their humble abode. Alas, those hopes were dashed, and they found themselves stranded in a sea of neglect.
"I can't believe our village has been left in this sorry state for years! The gazebo point was supposed to bring us progress, but all it's done is to tease us from afar. We feel abandoned and forgotten." Abdul Rashid, a resident of Zurmenz Village said.
"The gazebo point was a joke right from the start. We don't need selfie spots; we need real progress. The administration should prioritize our basic needs and address the submerged road issue immediately." – Imran, a villager said.
To make matters worse, the road leading to the gazebo point had become completely submerged as the water level of the nearby Wullar Lake rose dramatically. The once-thriving pathway that connected Zumenz Village to the rest of the district now lay hidden beneath the unforgiving waters. This unintended consequence left the villagers isolated and cut off from the outside world, including the very tourists the administration sought to attract.
The administration's indifference to the villagers' plight only deepened their frustration. They watched in dismay as the selfie point, now nothing more than an illusionary attraction, remained out of reach. The dream of progress and development slipped further away with each passing day.
Meanwhile, the administration remained oblivious to the outcry, seemingly oblivious to the drowning hopes of Zumenz Village. As the once-promising gazebo point faded into obscurity, the villagers hoped for a ray of light amidst the gloom, praying for the day when their pleas would be heard and their neglected village would finally receive the attention it so desperately deserved.
Time would tell if their calls for help would reach the right ears and breathe new life into the submerged road, paving the way for a brighter future for Zumenz Village and its resilient inhabitants.
Block officials responded to the concerns raised by the villagers, assuring them that development for the road connecting Zumenz Village to the rest of the district had indeed been sanctioned. They explained that the project was in the pipeline and awaiting implementation. However, due to the currently submerged conditions caused by the rising water level of Wullar Lake, work on the road had to be postponed.
Officials empathized with the villagers' plight and acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the submerged road. They assured the community that as soon as the water level decreased to a manageable level, work on the road would commence without delay. The administration expressed their commitment to resolving the issue and restoring the vital link between Zurmenz Village and the rest of the district.
