Snow covered Sub-District Hospital road in Keller causes severe hardship for locals, patients
Shopian: The residents of Keller tehsil in south Kashmir’s Shopian district are facing immense difficulties as the main road leading to the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) has remained buried under thick layers of snow for nearly the past twenty days, locals alleged.
Despite being a crucial route and passing right in front of the Tehsildar’s office, the road has not been fully cleared, triggering public anger over what locals describe as administrative apathy.
According to residents, the prolonged accumulation of snow has turned the road into a slippery and dangerous stretch, making movement extremely difficult for pedestrians and vehicles alike. The situation has become particularly alarming for pregnant women, elderly citizens, and patients suffering from various ailments who rely on the hospital for urgent medical care.
“We have approached the Tehsildar several times and requested immediate clearance of the road, but our complaints have fallen on deaf ears,” said a local resident. “This is the main road to the hospital. If authorities cannot keep this route functional, what can we expect for interior areas?”
Another elderly man from the area expressed fear over potential tragedies. “People are slipping every day. Carrying patients on icy roads is a nightmare. If an emergency occurs at night, reaching the hospital becomes almost impossible. This negligence can cost lives,” he said.
Women residents also voiced concern, stating that the un-cleared road has isolated many families from essential healthcare services. “Expectant mothers are the worst affected. Ambulances struggle to pass, and sometimes relatives have to carry patients on foot through snow. It is heartbreaking,” a local woman said.
Locals allege that the administration has shown little urgency in addressing the issue despite repeated appeals. The fact that the road lies directly in front of government offices has further fueled public resentment, with residents questioning how officials can overlook such visible suffering.
Expressing deep frustration, the people of Keller have now appealed directly to the Deputy Commissioner Shopian to personally intervene in the matter.
“We request the Deputy Commissioner to take immediate notice and issue strict directions for clearing the snow from this road without any further delay,” said a group of residents. “This is not just about inconvenience — it is about saving human lives.”
The residents urged the district administration to treat the issue as a priority public safety concern.
