The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — The road from Dalipora to Chatapora via Industrial Estates in Pulwama, which falls within the jurisdiction of Jammu and Kashmir Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (SICOP) and the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, has become a symbol of neglect and frustration for the local population. Despite numerous pleas, the road's dismal state has persisted for a decade, leading to significant inconvenience and posing risks for the community.

Residents of the area have expressed their grievances and concerns through a collective appeal addressed to the authorities. The road, having evolved into a bypass connecting Rajpora Road with Murran Road, has become a vital link for Pulwama's traffic. However, its decrepit condition has led to a host of problems, affecting not only the residents' daily commutes but also the safety of all road users.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, conveyed the residents' shared anguish. "We've been grappling with this issue for far too long. The road's condition has worsened over the years, and it's simply unacceptable that our pleas have gone unanswered. Our safety is compromised, and our patience has worn thin," the resident commented.

Nasreen Bano, a local resident, shared her frustration. "We've repeatedly appealed to the concerned authorities for action, but to no avail. Our lives are disrupted, our vehicles suffer damage, and the safety of pedestrians is compromised due to the road's state."

In a bid to address the situation, Mr Ab Aziz Shiekh (JKAS), the former Additional District Development Commissioner Pulwama, had visited the road stretch some months back. Despite his visit, there has been no visible progress, exacerbating the residents' dissatisfaction.

Local residents shared their views on the lack of response from the authorities. "It's disappointing that our concerns haven't been taken seriously. We expected action after the official's visit, but nothing has changed. The road's condition continues to deteriorate," said another resident.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — Lack of interest on part of a local contractor to execute work is the biggest hurdle in making a vital bridge over Romshi stream motorable in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

The bridge is located in Dougam village of the district which can connect dozens of villages from Kakapora to Ratnipora.

Locals told the news agency KNT that the work on the bridge is almost complete but the extreme part lying between the bridge and the road needs to be leveled to make it motorable.

“Unfortunately, the local contractor has stopped work, citing the winter season as the reason. As per the contractor, the work will start only after the fruition of the winter. This is injustice as we don’t want to suffer anymore,” they said, adding that they have already waited for three long years.

In this connection, the local population has sought the intervention of the district magistrate Baseer-ul-Haq Chowdhary and top officials from the Roads and Building Department.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse