Bandipora, Mar 8: Notwithstanding the tall claims of the state government to provide basic infrastructure and road connectivity, the roads in this north Kashmir district are in a dilapidated condition.
 Besides main roads connecting Bandipora with Srinagar and Sopore, most of the inner link roads around Bandipora are in shambles. People all over the district have been suffering due to the pathetic condition of the crucial link roads.
 Link roads connecting remote rural pockets with district headquarter, including Lawaypora, Pazalpora, Arin Dardpora, Bankoot, Ashtangoo, Kanibathi, Aloosa, Puthushay, Mangnipora and other areas continue to be neglected even as arterial roads are in bad condition, locals told Greater Kashmir.
 People in various localities on many occasions have taken to the streets to protest against what they term “official apathy” but they say their pleas have fallen flat on deaf ears. “Many times we staged protests against the dilapidated condition of roads but to no avail” said Saeem Ahmed, a local resident.
 “It is due to the incapable representation and weak administration that we are living a miserable life,” he added.
 “Authorities last year had assured the residents that repair work of roads will be taken up on priority basis but till date nothing has been done,” locals said. “The state government had announced that Rs 10 crores have been sanctioned to repair and construct the roads in the district but announcement has remained confined to papers only.”  
 Locals said the Chief Minster Omar Abdullah in September last year had announced that Rs 2 crore would be spent to repair the Srinagar-Bandipora road but CM’s announcement has not been translated into a reality.
 “The roads in the district are pockmarked by potholes. It is apparent that the money for development of roads is being siphoned off,” locals alleged. 
 Usman demands immediate repair of roads
 Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and ex-minister Usman Majeed has demanded that the government must pay attention to roads in Bandipora and adjoining villages as these are in urgent need of repairs.
 “Authorities are not maintaining quality control supervision over the works which is resulting in poor quality and patch work,” Usman added.
 One of the main demands is the need to repair the main Srinagar- Bandipora and Sopore –Bandipora roads leading to the district headquarter, which have been in shambles for the past many years.
 “It has been years since we had put forth the issue but till date nothing has been done. A slight precipitation worsens the situation,” he added.
 The gravity of the situation could be gauged from the fact that many accidents have taken place right from Shalteng to Bandipora in the recent past. 
 “VIPs, ministers and other officers entering or leaving the district headquarter also have a bumpy ride,” Usman added.
 He slammed the local MLA over the silence on the lack of development in the area. “It is unfortunate that MLA Bandipora has maintained silence over the issue,” he said.
 Accusing MLA Bandipora of neglecting main town, Usman said, “MLA has totally neglected the area, he is taking revenge from the inhabitants as they did not vote for him.”  
 “People are facing hardships as MLA forced district administration to divide main and mini bus stands in the area, forcing people to walk miles together from one bus stand to another,” Usman alleged.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 8 Mar 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 8 Mar 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Mar 2012 00:00:00 IST