Islamabad (Anantnag), Apr 29: If there is one town in the valley, which has been the victim of political vendetta, it is this South Kashmir Township, the locals allege.
 Despite being represented by two top political guns one each in Assembly and Parliament, the town is worst example of neglect on the development front.
 The condition of roads gives an impression of far flung village. People term the town as most unplanned one. “The roads in the villages of this district are far better than town, which are bumpy and dotted with pot holes,” the residents rue.
 People are complaining of respiratory disorders due to the inhalation of dust that keeps on emanating from these dilapidated roads. “Most people prefer to cover nose with masks and handkerchiefs to prevent the inhalation of dust,” said Advocate Ajaz Rashid.
 The doctors in the district hospital also acknowledge that they have been frequently receiving patients complaining of respiratory disorders. “The inhalation of dust can definitely lead to various respiratory and lung disease, like bronchitis, asthma and may aggravate the problem of those who are already suffering from these ailments,” said Dr. Showkat Ahmad from District Tuberculosis hospital.
 The residents also complain of frequent traffic jams and road accidents due to the narrow roads. “Though the traffic has increased manifold, but the roads remained same,” the residents said adding these narrow roads not only were the cause of accidents, but also frequent traffic mess.
 Residents say the unabated encroachments on the roadsides, State land and even on footpaths had made things worse.
 “Due to the ill planning of the Government there is a lot of overcrowding and congestion in the town as illegal constructions including shops continue to thrive with the tacit support of the municipal council authorities,” said Adil Khurshid. He said it was even difficult for pedestrians to walk through the narrow roads.
 Residents said the main roads of the town including Khanabal Naibasti- Sarnal check post stretch on the Khanbal Pahalgam (KP Road), Iqbal Market, Court Road and Lal Chowk, which was considered to be heart of the town, Achajipora-Moominabad-Dialgam, Fatehpura-Larkipora, Mir Bazar-Achajipora, Zodder-Furrah and, Qazibagh-Chee , Khanabal-Batpora, Muniward-Harnag and Dantar road were in dilapidated condition. “The condition of Malakhnag, Cheeni Chowk, Reeshi Bazar, Janglat Mandi, Shirpora, Kadipora-Sarnal and other interior roads is no different,” they said.
 Though, the people in Dialgam recently organized a novel ways of protest by planting trees on the middle of the road to turn the attention of the authorities towards the repair, but to no avail.
 “It is an irony that this South Kashmir town constituency of Islamabad which is being represented by Peoples Democratic Party patron, Mufti Muhammad Syed in Assembly and National Conference (NC) leader, Dr. Mehboob Beg in the Parliament is being totally neglected,” said the locals.
 They said even during the PDP regime, the town was victimized as the constituency was then represented by opposition NC legislator, Dr. Mehboob Beg.
 “Prior to 90’s there was minimal migration to the city from South Kashmir than North, for there were adequate basic facilities, but now due to lack of these, people have started migrating,” the residents say.
 They cite the unavailability of land for housing as one of the reasons of encroachment in the town. “Due to unavailability of proper housing colonies, people resort to haphazard constructions. In addition the non-cultivable and the fertile land on Lidder valley in adjoining Islamabad have already been utilized for housing legally or illegally,” said the residents.
 Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Kifayat Rizvi when contacted assured of repairing all the roads.
 “I have taken up the issue within the Roads and Building department and I will ensure that within a months’ time all the roads of the town are fully macadamized,” he said.
 Chief Engineer R&B could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 29 Apr 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:00:00 IST