Gamroo-Gundpora road in dilapidated condition; authorities unmoved

Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Oct 05(PTK): The condition of many roads in Bandipora speaks volumes about the step-motherly approach by the district administration. On social media, residents are trolling and shaming the authorities over the poor condition of roads in Bandipora.

Gamroo village of Bandipora district is the worst neglected and discriminated village so as far development and basic amenities like roads, power is concerned.

The residents of Gamroo, Gundpora, Rampora, and adjoining areas of Bandipora on Monday expresses dismay over the callous attitude of R&B department and said Gamroo main road to Gundpora road is full of potholes and concerned department is watching as mute spectator.

The resident of the area said they are facing huge problems as the stretch is in dilapidated condition and alleged despite several requests to authorities but nothing has been done to macadamize the stretch.

At some places, the potholes are so big that drivers have to manoeuvre around. “The condition of road, in a nutshell, speaks about the mess that prevails in Bandipora.

They said several requests were made to Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, chief Engineer R&B Kashmir & Executive Engineer R&B Bandipora but they are making tall claims that work will start at an earliest on this road so far the stretch has not been macadamized though all the neighboring roads have been macadamized.

Potholes and bumpy road are giving a hard time to people and it seems the authorities are least concerned of the area. The worst condition of road has made travel miserable and patients being ferried for treatment are the worst victims of this mess. Apart from other trouble, the wear and tear of vehicles has unduly gone up as the suspensions get damaged and also the tyres which burdens the pockets of common man. Because of extremely bad condition of the stretch from Gamroo area, a number of two-wheelers have skidded off the road causing injuries to the riders.

Inhabitants said the bad condition of roads become a nuisance especially during rains. Last year the administration had started filling potholes but the rain washed away the material."The material used for potholes was not up to the mark. That is why road get damaged ,”a senior citizen of area said.

According to the locals, the road was damaged by last year by any agency for laying pipes and then work was allocated to local contractor to fill potholes but he left the half portion of road unattended.

Locals said the he commercial drivers refuse to ply on this route. Spotted with innumerable potholes filled with water make has made movement of traffic and pedestrian extremely difficult. It gives nightmarish experience to residents and passenger vehicles because the road is badly damaged.

“Gamroo village of Bandipora district is the worst neglected and discriminated village so as far development and basic amenities like roads, power is concerned,” said Mohammad Saleem a businessman. He demands action against those who patches the road last year and looted state exchequer.

“We have to spend more money on repairing vehicles, than we earn daily,” said a minibus driver Ab Majeed. When contacted Executive Engineer Road and Buildings (R&B) Bandipora Abdul Hameed, he said, “this road will be macadamised next year on priority basis.”

People have appealed Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to intervene in the mater and take speedy action in this regard as people are facing a lot of problems due to pathetic condition of the road here.(PTK)