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SHAFQAT SHEIKH
CHENAB VALLEY NOV 05:-The Dunadi-Bunjwah road, a vital historic artery linking multiple villages in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, is in a critical state of neglect, with residents and stakeholders voicing urgent concerns over the administration’s apparent indifference. Despite being a lifeline for connectivity, essential services, and economic activity, no major restoration or maintenance work has been undertaken since 2020, leaving the route severely damaged and hazardous.
Under the leadership of Ashiq Wani, a coalition of farmers, shopkeepers, and community members has been mobilised to draw attention to the worsening condition of the road, which includes deteriorating scuppers, culverts, parapets, and critical linkages. Locals lament the daily challenges posed by the disrepair, particularly for vulnerable groups—patients in need of urgent care, elderly citizens, and expectant mothers travelling to the District Hospital Kishtwar and the Government Medical College Doda.
“This road is not just a vital link; it is fundamental for the health, safety, and economic well-being of our community,” locals emphasised, sharing stories of delayed medical care and lost economic opportunities.
Beyond its impact on healthcare, the dilapidated road has crippled local businesses and agriculture, making transportation of produce costly and delivery of goods increasingly difficult for shopkeepers and farmers alike. Despite repeated appeals, the community has witnessed little action, and the authorities’ indifference has eroded hope.
Younus Keen, a dedicated resident, condemned the “deep slumber” of local bodies. He recalled that the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was entrusted with upgrading the road, but progress has stalled, leaving the community disheartened.
Residents from Bunjwah, Patnazi, Buddhar Kither, and Patshalla have united in an urgent appeal to the Lieutenant Governor’s Administration and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, stressing the dire need for immediate intervention. They warn that, unless concrete repair and construction efforts
begin, villagers are prepared to stage protests and block the Batote-Kishtwar highway at Thathri. This growing resolve highlights the critical necessity for government action to restore this essential road, which remains the only viable option for daily commute, medical emergencies, and economic survival for the entire region. The community’s determination to escalate their demands through demonstration underscores the gravity of this infrastructural crisis and their unwavering commitment to securing essential repairs for their future.
From the Desk:
Shafqat Sheikh
Freelance Writer, Columnist
Email: freelancershafqat@gmail.com
Mob: 9419281321, 9419974577
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