Several Shopian roads in dilapidated conditions, local demand macadmisation
Shopian: Several vital roads in Shopian district are in dilapidated conditions and authorities have failed to repair these roads, locals alleged.
The locals said that several roads including Wasawhal-Hajipora road, Check Dairoo-Keller road and Wathoo-Butmuran road are in a very bad shape for many years now.
The residents of Wasawhal, Shangran, Chotigam and its adjacent areas said that Wasawhal-Hajipora road has not been macadmised from the last 15 years due to which locals- mainly students, patients and the aged people have to suffer a lot.
They added that the condition of the road is so bad that it is difficult to move by foot on this road.
Meanwhile, the locals from Wathoo, Butmuran and its adjacent areas also said that Wathoo-Butmuran road is in very bad condition and needs to be macadmised at an earliest.
The locals accused the government of neglecting the area for too long now as this road has been not been macadamised since many years now.
This road connects at least one dozen villages with other parts of the district however, it has been neglected, they said.
“In year 2017, local authorities issued tenders for getting the road mecadamised however, due to unknown reasons, the tender was cancelled later,” Bilal Ahmad, a local resident, said.
Meanwhile, locals from Check Dairoo, Keller, Dunaroo, Mushward and its adjacent areas also alleged that authorities have failed to repair and macadamide the main road in the area despite macadamisation being sanctioned for the road last year.
They said that this main road connecting Keller belt with Pulwama district but has been neglected.
Commenting on the bad condition of the roads, Executive Engineer, Roads and Buildings Department Division Shopian, Abdul Qayoom Kirmani said that Wasawhal- Hajipora road via Chotigam is in very condition and it has been covered under a new scheme and work will start in coming days.
He said that macadmisation work on Check Dairoo-Keller will start on Thursday where as Wathoo-Butmurran road has not been included in this year’s plan.
He said that road can be macadmised if locals can approach DDC Shopian and he will provide funds for the same.
Jahangeer Ganaie
