Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Jan 2: Tangtheri, a sub village of Authwatoo, located on the foothills of famous Harmukh peak in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district is without basic facilities like road connectivity, electricity, mobile connectivity, and potable water supply, thereby making villagers suffer immensely.
The villagers alleged that they have been suffering immensely for want of even basic facilities like road connectivity, electricity, potable water supply, health care facility and mobile connectivity
Muhammad Qasim, a local resident, stated, “Even in this modern era, we lack road connectivity, and it’s ironic that we must navigate through thick forests on foot or horses to reach the village. Taking patients, like my sick father, on a cot to the nearest road for checkups has become a regular challenge.”
“When we need to take him to the hospital, I have to plead with my neighbors for assistance as we transport him on a cot to reach the road. The government should address our hardships and ensure the provision of basic facilities,” he added.
He also said that while electricity poles were installed years ago, the wiring was never completed, adding to our woes. “For the past five years, we have implored the authorities to provide us with these facilities, but our pleas have consistently gone unheard,” he added.
Another elderly disabled man mentioned that although he was given a scooty by administration; however, due to the absence of road connectivity, he has to park it three kilometers downhill from his village. Despite his disability, he has to walk for three hours on foot.
“Pipes for drinking water supply were installed years ago by the concerned department, but the water connectivity is still non-functional for the villagers,” said Mohammad Ayoob Khan, another resident.
Mariuma Jan, a young student, expressed that their village has been longing for proper network connectivity for years. “The absence of these facilities in this modern era is unfortunate for us,” she added.
The residents appealed to the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Dr Owais Ahmad personally to look into the matter and help resolve their grievances. Meanwhile, an official stated that the concerns raised by the villagers will be addressed in discussions with the relevant departments to ensure a prompt resolution for the betterment of the community.
