Residents use primitive methods for lighting; respiratory disorders on rise
Kalaroos (Kupwara), Apr 12: The people of many villages in Kalaroos area of Kupwara district are facing tremendous hardships due to the non-availability of electricity.
 According to the residents of village Narikoot, located in the foothills of Sonpindi mountain range of this frontier district, they haven’t seen the electricity and are yet to avail its benefits. “We are still using the primitive methods like burning of wood to illuminate our houses as our area hasn’t been electrified yet,” a local, Bashir Khatana told Greater Kashmir.
 He said that due to the use of these methods many people, especially the elders and expecting mothers were facing severe health related problems. “The prevalence of respiratory diseases is on the rise,” the residents said. 
 “Two years ago, Power Development Corporation (PDC) erected electric poles in the area. However, the PDD has failed to provide the electricity and for more than 5000 souls in the area, the electricity has remained a distant dream,” said Bashir Ahmad a local.
 "We approached the authorities many a times, but they gave us only hollow assurances,” he said and sought the intervention of PDD senior functionaries in this regard.
 The people have also complained about pathetic road condition in the area. “The transporters are reluctant to operate their services in the area as the roads are in complete dilapidated condition,” the residents said adding the expecting mothers, ailing people and students were facing immense hardships as they are unable to reach to their respective destinations on time. “We are unable to take the expecting mothers on time to the hospitals after they develop labour as there is transport service available in the area,” the residents said adding that many women had developed complications after they reached the hospital late.
  “I have to tread six kilometers to reach to the Higher Secondary School Kalaroos,” a class 10th student of the area told Greater Kashmir. “I miss most of my classes as I never reach the school on time,” the student said.
 Like Narikoot, Ladah and Moohri villages in Kalaroos area, with a population of more than 12000 souls, belonging to Scheduled Tribe Gujjar community, are also still un-electrified.
 “It is quiet unfortunate that in this modern age, we are still living in darkness,” the villagers said. “To illuminate our homes and cook food, we still use Kerosene stoves and firewood, which are proving hazardous for the health of our family members. The prevalence of tuberculosis, asthma and different ailments of eyes and lungs has shown a manifold increase in the area,” said Latief Ahmad Sarpanch of the village.
 According to the locals, the politicians come to the village to garner votes during electioneering and assure that they would redress the grievances of the people. “However, after coming to power, they forget their promises and never return to the area,” the residents added. 
 Pertinently there are 153 un-electrified villages in this frontier district which are mostly inhabited by the downtrodden Gujjar Tribals and Pahari speaking people.
Compiled by Shahid Rafiq

Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST