Pulwama residents urge authorities to restore damaged road in Chatapora industrial estate
Pulwama: The residents and business stakeholders of Chatapora Industrial Estate in Pulwama have voiced serious concern over the dilapidated condition of the road connecting Boys Higher Secondary School Pulwama with the National Hockey Turf Stadium, urging the Public Works Department (PWD) to act swiftly to restore the stretch.
The road, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Small Industries Development Corporation of J&K (SICOP), is a key conduit not only for local commuters but also for industries operating in the area, the locals said.
Stakeholders note that the road has not been macadamized since 2008, leading to deep potholes and surface erosion that now pose safety risks.
“This road is a lifeline for hundreds of daily commuters, including school students and industrial workers. The current condition is disgraceful,” said Shabir Ahmad Dar, a local shopkeeper.
He said that if the condition of roads in main town will be such then what will be the condition of roads in the villages.
Locals revealed that despite repeated complaints and reminders, no action has been taken by SICOP to restore the road. Though a tender for macadamization was floated last year, the contractor allegedly failed to initiate the work, leaving residents disappointed and sceptical about the government’s seriousness.
“The tender process turned out to be a farce,” said Farooq Lone, a nearby resident. “If a contractor doesn’t respond, why hasn’t the department blacklisted them and issued a fresh tender?”
They requested Executive Engineer, PWD Pulwama for immediate cancellation of the previous tender and the issuance of a new one to ensure the road is repaired during the ongoing working season.
They emphasized that the matter has direct implications for public safety, educational access, and industrial productivity.
“Students have to wade through muddy puddles in the rain, and ambulances often avoid this stretch altogether,” said Zahida Jan, a teacher at the higher secondary school. “We just want a motorable road—nothing more.”
“This is a matter of public interest and dignity. A timely response can bring relief to hundreds who suffer daily due to the crumbling road,” the locals said.
