Gonkocha Tral residents protest over dilapidated road, accuse authorities of neglect
Pulwama: Residents of Gonkocha area in south Kashmir’s Tral on Thursday staged a protest against the administration over the alleged failure to repair and widen the main road connecting the locality with the town, saying the area continues to suffer due to official apathy despite repeated pleas.
The protesters, including elderly residents, youth and students, assembled in the area and raised voice demanding immediate intervention from the administration and elected representatives.
They said the road has remained in a dilapidated condition for years, causing immense inconvenience to the local population.
Residents alleged that although Gonkocha falls within Tral town, the condition of the road gives an impression that the locality is situated in a remote and inaccessible area.
“We are living in Tral town, but the condition of our road makes it seem as if we are residing in a far-flung village cut off from basic facilities,” said one of the protesters. “During rains, the road turns muddy and slippery, while in dry weather, dust creates severe problems for commuters and nearby households.”
Locals said that students, patients and elderly people are the worst sufferers due to the narrow and damaged road. They alleged that at several places the road has shrunk to only a few feet in width after alleged encroachments by some individuals.
“School-going children face immense hardships every day while travelling on this road. Patients especially suffer during emergencies as vehicles find it difficult to pass through the narrow stretches,” another resident said.
The protesters claimed that portions of the road have allegedly been occupied by some locals, but despite repeated complaints, no concrete action has been taken by the authorities to remove the encroachments or restore the original width of the road.
“Officials assure us of action, but nothing changes on the ground. The road is becoming narrower day by day and the administration is acting as a silent spectator,” another local said.
Residents further said that they had repeatedly brought the matter into the notice of the local MLA and concerned departments, but no visible progress has been made so far.
“We have submitted applications several times and also approached senior officers and public representatives, but unfortunately our issue continues to be ignored,” another protester said. “People here are losing patience now.”
The protesters demanded immediate macadamisation and widening of the road, removal of alleged encroachments and proper drainage facilities to prevent further deterioration.
