Srinagar, Sep 11: Even as the Narbal-Tangmarg road project is nearing completion, the people of Mazhama and adjoining villages, whose structures had been dismantled in the process, have not been compensated fully from the last three years. 

 “The government promised us instant compensation after the demolition of structures, but now the authorities are saying that they have no funds,” said Abdul Gani of Mazhama.

 The people accused the government of showing “double standards and giving compensation to some influential people and denying the same to others.

 “The government also failed to rehabilitate the affected and there are number of people who struggled to build houses after their structures were dismantled,” said Dr. Mubashir, a local resident. He said the government had still withheld 30 percent of the compens ation money.

 Pertinently, the 24.5 kilometer road project has been taken up under the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Programme and costs Rs 116 crore. The Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah in May asked the executing agency to complete the project immediately so that the tourists would reach to Gulmarg without any traffic hassles. 

 When contacted the District Development Commissioner, Budgam, Muhammad Rafi said, “I have received the information from the concerned Tehsildar regarding the issue and we will immediate steps to redress the grievances of people.”

Lastupdate on : Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 IST