Locals Decry Daily Suffering, Cite “Back-Breaking” Commutes
Pulwama: Residents and daily commuters in the Kakapora area of Pulwama district have expressed deep frustration over the prolonged neglect of the Samboor Bridge and the non-macadamisation of the vital Kakapora road. The dilapidated condition of these routes has turned routine travel into a daily ordeal, with many likening it to a “back-breaking punishment.”
Local vehicle owners and transporters say the bumpy, potholed roads are causing significant wear and tear to vehicles and posing safety risks, particularly for school-going children and elderly passengers. “We pay taxes and expect basic infrastructure. Is that too much to ask?” said one angry commuter.
Despite repeated appeals from the public, the Public Works Department (PWD) has allegedly failed to take any concrete steps. According to officials, the delay stems from a scarcity of funds, with no clear timeline for when work on the Samboor Bridge or the road macadamisation will resume.
“The lack of attention from the authorities is unacceptable. If funds are an issue, they must escalate the matter to higher levels. We can’t suffer indefinitely,” said locals of Kakapora.
Meanwhile, several link roads in the district including in Newa, Lelhar, Ratnipora, Koil, Panzgam, Litter and other villages are in dilapidated condition and residents are demoing urgent macadamisation and repair of these roads.
“We had requested the R &B, EE Pulwama AEE of Kakapora, to macadamise Pahoo-Ratnipora and other link roads which are in shambles for years but they ignored our plea,” said locals of Ratnipora.
PWD (R&B) Executive Engineer Pulwama, Javaid Ahmad Dar, cited a shortage of funds with the government as the reason for the delay in the repair and macadamisation of the Samboora bridge and other link roads. “The district received approvals for macadamisation of 20 works, which were successfully executed. However, due to limited funding, several other projects demanded by the public could not be taken up and remain pending,” he said.
Residents have urged the elected government MLA Pampore to intervene urgently and address the road repair and macadamisation before the winter season sets in, which could further deteriorate road conditions and make their commute miserable.
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