Shopian residents demand separate mechanical division, cite post-snowfall hardships
Say absence of dedicated division and poor infrastructure forces people to wait for days for road clearance
Shopian: Residents of south Kashmir’s Shopian district have renewed their long-pending demand for a separate Mechanical Division, stating that the lack of adequate machinery and infrastructure leaves the area paralysed for days after every snowfall, causing immense hardship to patients, students and commuters.
Locals said that Shopian continues to depend on the mechanical division located in Anantnag district, resulting in delayed deployment of snow clearance machinery whenever snowfall occurs.
“After even moderate snowfall, our roads remain blocked for two to three days. Snow clearance machines arrive very late because Shopian does not have its own mechanical division,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident of Keller area. “Patients suffer the most as ambulances cannot reach hospitals on time.”
Residents alleged that interior villages, especially in Keller, Zainapora, Harmain and parts of Shopian town outskirts, remain cut off due to non-clearance of link roads.
Mohammad Yousuf, a shopkeeper from Zainapora, said that people are forced to clear snow manually.
“We use shovels to clear roads ourselves. It is shameful that in today’s time, a district like Shopian does not have sufficient snow clearance machinery,” he said.
The absence of a dedicated mechanical division, locals said, also affects economic activity. “Fruit growers, traders and daily wage workers suffer huge losses. Markets remain shut and people can’t move,” said Farooq Ahmad, an apple grower. “Shopian is an important horticulture district but basic infrastructure is missing.”
Women and elderly residents expressed concern over medical emergencies. Naseema Begum, a resident of Harmain, said, “Pregnant women and elderly patients are the worst hit. Many times, patients are carried on foot because roads are blocked.”
Locals said the problem resurfaces every winter despite repeated assurances by authorities.
“Every year we are promised improvement, but nothing changes on the ground,” said Ghulam Nabi, a retired employee.
“A separate mechanical division with adequate machines and staff is the only permanent solution.”
The residents have urged the government to immediately sanction a dedicated Mechanical Division for Shopian, equipped with snow cutters, dozers and sufficient manpower, to ensure timely road clearance and prevent public suffering during winters.
