Kupwara, Aug 23 (JKNS): The Shahlora–Panzgam link road in Kralpora tehsil of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district has been lying in a severely dilapidated condition, causing considerable inconvenience to residents of several adjoining areas, including Manzgamm, Panzgam, Babapora, Aloosa and Salamat Wari.
Local residents have urged the authorities to undertake immediate repairs and improve the condition of the road.
Residents said that the road has remained in poor condition for several years, making daily commuting difficult for passengers, students, patients and other road users. According to locals, they have repeatedly demanded repairs for the past three years, but no substantial work has been initiated so far.
The residents further alleged that although the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, Kralpora Division, has repeatedly indicated that funds have been earmarked for the repair of the road, there has been no visible improvement on the ground.
Speaking to this correspondent, Karnah MLA Javed Ahmad Mirchal said that ₹15 lakh has been allocated for the improvement of the road. He stated that areas located beyond Sadhna Top, particularly those falling within the Karnah Assembly Constituency and connected with Chokibal, would not be neglected in terms of development.
The MLA further assured that every possible step would be taken to improve public infrastructure and ensure better facilities for the people living in these areas.
Meanwhile, the Executive Engineer of the R&B Department Altaf Ahmad Lone said that funds for the improvement of the road have already been sanctioned. He stated that the repair work would commence as soon as the formal allocation is completed.
The Executive Engineer acknowledged that certain stretches of the road are in poor condition and require immediate repair and improvement.
Local residents have meanwhile appealed to the District Administration Kupwara and the R&B Department to take immediate cognizance of the deteriorating road conditions and start the repair work at the earliest.
Residents said that timely intervention would provide much-needed relief to commuters and ensure safer and smoother connectivity for the people of the affected areas. (JKNS)
