Sahil Manzoor Bhatti
Before ten years, we could clearly differentiate between a city and a village. In the past, electricity was so weak that bulbs only gave dim light on the walls. It was very difficult to get clear visibility on the floor surface. Electric poles were very rare; most households used temporary and risky wiring for electricity and felt immense pleasure even when they got a dim light occasionally.
The roads were just sources of dust, and even a heavy bus would move on these roads with uneven jerks. Drivers kept the third and fourth gears at rest due to the dilapidated condition of the roads. The roads were risky and caused frequent accidents, especially when a driver made a wrong turn.
In the upper reaches, ten or more households would share a single water point. Womenfolk had to do labour work that was not exercise for them. During winters, when taps got frozen, our womenfolk rushed to nearby springs to bring drinking water and used it very carefully. That activity was so hectic that most households ended up in unhygienic conditions and severe health issues.
Alhamdulillah! Today every household in remote areas has sufficient water facilities. I salute those who sponsored schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and provided clean tap water to every home. This act definitely blessed the higher-ups. It is a great comfort to the underprivileged class, and people appreciate the scheme. But due to some selfish contractors and negligence of officials, this scheme faces issues in some areas where the public complains that the work was not done properly. Some contractors even engage household members for pipe digging without paying them labour charges.
Schemes like the Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) and other projects for better connectivity, protection bunds, and drainage systems have provided great relief to the population living in villages. Today, almost every village is connected to each other, roads are macadamized, and people feel great comfort and appreciate the government for these steps.
Today, around 90 percent of villages are electrified, and only a few areas still lack electricity. But one unfortunate thing is the hike in electricity charges. It is very difficult for the underprivileged class to pay electricity bills promptly; they should be given relaxation.
What came to my mind encouraged me to write this article for a renowned newspaper of the Kashmir Valley.
When I was in 7th class, I started bodybuilding. It was my passion to stay healthy and fit so that I would not feel exhausted and lethargic in school. My school witnessed how much I contributed to a number of activities like scouting, cricket, bodybuilding, etc.
In Srinagar at that time, we had very few gym centres, and they were not equipped with advanced machines. Most players were passionate and did their best, always staying away from drugs and keeping their health a priority. Now, after every two kilometres in Srinagar, we have a gym centre. Unfortunately, today we are facing a severe drug menace. Even the government is very concerned and is applying stringent acts against drug peddlers. Drug peddlers deserve capital punishment, and every corner should be checked so that this curse is eliminated. Youth need proper counselling, education, and sports activities.
Today’s youth demand a free zone, which means we should counsel them properly. Tell them, “Give your best, you are still in.” Never discourage them when they fail to achieve their goals. Always encourage them and provide opportunities so that they get enough time to know themselves and overcome all odds in life.
I am residing in Bhatti Mohalla Raiyar-Ich, Khansahib, District Budgam, a beautiful and mesmerizing village in the Kashmir Valley. My village is known for noon chai and makki roti. Due to the famous tourist destination Doodhpathri, my village has gained identity as an emerging tourist village in Khansahib.
Just ten years ago, this village was backward in all respects road connectivity, electricity network, tap water facilities, and many more. Today, we have most facilities, but unfortunately, the road connectivity from my home to the main Doodhpathri Road has still not been taken up by the concerned authorities. Some miscreants are blocking the main entrance and keeping us deprived of this basic facility. Still, I am blessed and thankful for many things. I appeal to the government authorities to kindly intervene and take up our road from High School Raiyar-Ich to Bhatti Mohalla. We are losing our dignity without a road. How is it possible that due to some selfish brokers, they can block our road? We have MSc students and civil service aspirants, and the area is purely inhabited by the Gujjar community.
Alhamdulillah, I am passionate about bodybuilding. I have set up a mini gym in a single room at my home.
One of my friends, Mohammad Yousuf, suggested that there is a gym at Yarikhah, just 2 kilometres from my home. A couple of days ago, I went there, got the key from the owner’s family, opened the lock, and was surprised that we have such a great gym with imported machines near the shrine of Syed Yaqoob Balkhi (RA).
I talked to some people and the gym owner about their experience. They told me that people are not aware of such beneficial activities. I requested them to please spread the awareness among the general youth so that they visit the gym, get attracted, and explore the iron game world.
Our village is emerging in terms of development, education, business, and many more fields. So we have to keep in mind the mistakes we made while framing the master plan of cities like Srinagar, where we face flood threats and pollution issues. We must keep ample space for plantation, drainage, roads, and irrigation canals. We must stop illegal encroachment so that development becomes permanent, not temporary.
(The author is a freelancer and can be reached at [email protected])
