Srinagar: The residents of Chatterhama, a locality in the Srinagar district, have grown increasingly resentful over the un-macadamized roads that have been in disrepair for over a decade.
Locals, as per news agency—Kashmir Bulletin (KB), said that despite repeated appeals and complaints, locals to different government offices have been left with no meaningful progress and finally intend to hold direct action to demand resolution.
The lack of palpable development has exasperated the locals. “We have been waiting for more than a decade for these roads to get proper macadamization. During winter, it becomes even more disastrous as the unmetalled roads turn into muddy bogs, which is almost impassable,” they said.
“We have approached each official that crossed our minds-from the Deputy Commissioner’s office to various departments-but the responses have always been incomplete,’’ the locals said.
These are deeper concerns for the residents as the harsh winter conditions fast encroach upon them, saying that it will degrade the roads further to unimaginable levels.
“The promises we’ve received have not translated into action. It seems as though the authorities are indifferent to our plight,” said another resident. “All avenues were exhausted and we are left with no option but to hold protests outside the R&B office.”
The frustration in the community is not only a disturbance issue but also a reflection of their discontent over larger dissatisfaction with the claims of development by the government.
Locals also said that improvements in basic infrastructure are central to actual progress and development in the region.
“We are constantly told about development and progress, but how can we believe these claims when our fundamental needs-like decent roads-are not being met?” They questioned.
Exasperated by the ever-deteriorating condition of the roads and lack of action from the administration, the residents are planning a protest march to draw the concerned departments’ attention to their grievances and push for immediate action.
Skirting and metaling of roads, with winter just knocking at the door, has become all the more urgent, as it reflects the gulf between official promises and grass-root reality.
The condition at Chaterhama represents the greater failure of infrastructure development in parts of Srinagar District and thus questions the role of effective local governance and prioritization of basic services.— (KB)
