Bandipore, Jan 15: Nearly 600 families in this north Kashmir district living below the poverty line brought under Integrated Housing Slum Development Programme (IHSDP) are finding it difficult to cope with the biting cold as they are spending days and nights under the open sky. 
 “The government had promised us that it will provide us with the houses under IHSDP scheme sponsored by the centre. After we dismantled our sheds two installments of Rs 30,000 were released in our favour to construct the structures,” the victims told Greater Kashmir on Saturday.
 They said that government had failed to release the pending installments due to which they have been unable to put a roof over their heads. 
 As the mercury continues to plummet these people have no means to keep themselves warm. There are 413 families in Bandipore, 207 in Sumbal and 71 in Hajin townships who have completed the construction of houses upto the roof level. However, these families are shivering as their houses are without roof thus forcing them to live under  the open sky.
 “We were living in tin sheds but government duped us on the name of schemes and forced us to live under the open sky. We have been left to fend for our selves,” said Haleema Begum.
 Victims appealed the Chief Minister to look into the matter and get the remaining installments released.     
 When contacted the Director Local bodies Farooq Renzu said, “I will verify and look into the matter.”

Lastupdate on : Sat, 15 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 15 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 16 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST