Prolonged power cuts, crumbling roads spark public outrage in Anantnag’s Hapatnard hamlet
Anantnag: The residents of Charkpora, Sheikhpora and Hapatnard in Anantnag district have voiced strong resentment over persistent electricity shortages and the worsening condition of internal roads, saying the prolonged neglect has made daily life increasingly difficult.
Locals complained that their areas are witnessing frequent and extended power outages, disrupting household routines, education of children, and small businesses. “Electricity goes off for hours without any prior information. Sometimes we spend entire evenings in darkness,” said a resident of Sheikhpora, adding that the situation becomes even worse during cold and rainy days.
Alongside the power crisis, people highlighted the poor state of lanes and by-lanes connecting their homes. According to villagers, most internal roads have developed deep potholes and broken surfaces, making it risky for pedestrians, elderly residents, and schoolchildren. “It becomes nearly impossible to walk, especially after rainfall when the streets turn muddy and slippery,” a resident of Hapatnard said.
The residents further alleged misuse and repetition of development works under the rural employment scheme, claiming that despite projects being shown as completed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, there is little to no visible improvement on the ground. “The same works are shown again and again on paper, but our roads remain in ruins,” locals asserted.
Anger was also directed towards the elected representative from the area. The people said they had repeatedly approached the MLA from Pahalgam to raise these concerns but received no response. Many accused the legislator of visiting the area only during election campaigns and failing to follow up once votes were secured.
“He comes during elections, makes promises, and then disappears. Our basic issues of power and roads have been ignored for years,” they said.
The aggrieved villagers have now appealed to the concerned departments and district administration to immediately ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and undertake proper repair and reconstruction of damaged streets.
They warned that continued inaction would only deepen public resentment and hardship.
Residents expressed hope that authorities would take swift notice of their grievances and deliver long-pending basic infrastructure facilities essential for dignified living.
