Volunteers step in as Bijbehara-Sirhama road lies in shambles, PMGSY fails to Act
Jahangeer Ganaie
Anantnag: In a display of community spirit and growing public frustration, local volunteers from Satkipora area of Bijbehara in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district have taken it upon themselves to repair the dilapidated Bijbehara-Sirhama road.
Locals said that despite repeated pleas and appeals to the concerned authorities, including the PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana) department, no action was taken to address the worsening condition of the vital road from Bijbehara to Sirhama.
The road, which serves as a crucial connection between several villages and the main town, has been in a state of utter neglect for years, they said, adding that commuters and locals have long complained of potholes, dust, and waterlogging, which make travel difficult and even dangerous, especially for school-going children, patients, and elderly residents.
“We approached the PMGSY department multiple times, submitted applications, and even met officials in person, but our requests fell on deaf ears,” said one of the volunteers.
“This road is a lifeline for our community, and waiting endlessly was no longer an option. That’s why we decided to take matters into our own hands.”
They said that they managed to get some material to fill the holes on the road so as to provide some relief to locals.
Young men from the area were seen shovelling gravel and filling potholes as part of the initiative, which has received wide praise from the community.
The initiative has once again brought to light the apathy of authorities towards rural infrastructure development, despite tall claims under central government schemes.
Residents have demanded immediate intervention by the district administration and PMGSY to permanently restore the road and prevent further hardships.
“This effort is commendable, but it’s not sustainable,” said another local. “We need proper macadamization and long-term planning. Authorities must wake up and fulfill their responsibilities.”
Meanwhile an official of the PMGSY said that this road will be macadamised this year.
