Pulwama/ Shopian, Sep 8:  Majority of roads in these twin districts of south Kashmir are in shambles giving tough time to the people and causing losses to the traders.
The Shopian-Kellar road, an important thoroughfare, is a dilapidated condition. According to people the road has not been macadamized for last twenty years. “Due to the pathetic condition of the road, villagers of Zawoora, Vishru, Narpora, Maspora and Kellar have been facing severe problems,” the said, adding that the bad quality of the road is also affecting the trade activities.
“The bumps and potholes make the journey by a vehicle extremely difficult on this road particularly for patients,” they said.
On the 16 kilo meter long road even a damaged bridge has not been repaired, they said.
The condition of Shopian-Trenz-Tarkiwangam road, another important track, is no different. Another road link connecting Shopian with Arwani in Islamabad (Anantnag), Shopian-Zainpora-Arwani road, is also dotted with potholes and bumps.
The road connecting Pulwama with Sangam area in Islamabad district; Pulwama-Litter-Sangam road is also in shambles.
“Due to the pathetic condition of the road, it takes us so much time to make it to our work places, shops and offices,” the villagers said.
Firdous Ahmad, a lecturer in Degree College Women College Islamabad (Anantnag) said: “When you have roads in such a pathetic condition how can you expect to reach to your office in time.
Ahmad, a resident of Pulwama, added: “The journey which should otherwise take not more than an hour takes even 3 hours.”
“We get our supplies from Srinagar and Islamabad (Anantnag). But due to the bad condition the cost of our products increases which in turn affects the common consumers,” said a trader from Pulwama.
He said: “There remains lot of apprehension about certain categories of goods that are fragile of getting damaged due to the bumps and potholes on these roads.”
He said: “Just a few days back we received supplies from Anantnag (Islamabad). But after opening the packs, we found many of the crockery items were damaged.”
People also complain that their vehicles have got damaged because of the bumpy roads.   
“The dilapidated condition of Padhgampora-Nayina road  is also causing inconvenience to the people of Gulzarpura, Tukna, Kaawni and Dogripora villages,” residents say.
They also complain that the 7 kilo meter long Newa-Ruhmu road connecting villages of Zadoora, Wahibugh, Chewai Khurud, Ruhmu and Pakherpora is pathetic.
People said even the internal roads in main towns of Shopian, Pulwama, Pampore, Awantipora and Tral are not fully macadamized.
Many people complained of respiratory disorders due to the inhalation of dust that keeps on emanating because of these dilapidated roads.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Sep 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 10 Sep 2011 00:00:00 IST