Road, Water Crisis Triggers Massive Protest in Budhal; Residents Block Highway, Warn of Intensified Agitation

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

BUDHAL,RAJOURI May 14:-Public anger erupted in Budhal subdivision on Thursday as residents of Kewal, Seari, Chaprola, Phagoli and adjoining villages staged a massive protest against the prolonged delay in completion of the Trun Kewal–Phagoli road and pending works under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme in Gram Panchayat Kewal Lower.
The protest, led by former Sarpanch Kewal Lower, began from Trun Kewal where hundreds of residents assembled and attempted to march towards Rajouri town to press for their long-pending demands. Protesters accused the administration of ignoring the sufferings of people despite repeated appeals over the years.
Addressing media persons during the protest, the former Sarpanch said that the construction work on the Trun Kewal–Phagoli road was initiated in 2004, but even after more than two decades the road remains incomplete and non-motorable in several stretches. He said the poor condition of the road has badly affected daily life, causing immense hardships to students, patients, elderly citizens and commuters.
He further stated that the entire stretch up to Phagoli falls under District Rajouri, while earthwork beyond kilometre two was reportedly executed by PWD Reasi, resulting in confusion and administrative negligence. He alleged that neither the Rajouri administration nor the Reasi administration is taking responsibility for completing the crucial road project.
The protesters also raised strong objections over the alleged failure of the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme in the area, saying residents continue to face an acute drinking water crisis despite repeated promises from officials.
As the protesters moved towards Rajouri, police teams led by DYSP Budhal Neeraj Badyal, along with Sub Inspector Rahul Sharma and Sub Inspector Ravinder Singh, intercepted them at Trun. Following this, agitated residents blocked the busy Budhal–Rajouri Highway for several hours, disrupting traffic and demanding immediate government intervention.
Later, Naib Tehsildar Budhal Zaffer Choudhary, AEE PMGSY Altaf Choudhary, AEE PHE Ashfaq Ahmed and JE PHE Abdul Rehman reached the protest site and held discussions with the demonstrators. The officials assured the public that their genuine grievances would be addressed before the end of the current month.
During the interaction, AEE PHE Ashfaq Ahmed assured residents that the drinking water supply to Trun, Beji and Jori areas would be restored within the next two days.
Meanwhile, protesters warned that if concrete action is not taken within the stipulated timeframe, the region will witness a much larger agitation in the coming days.