Considering the miseries of the people residing in far-off areas in absence of road connectivity, which was snapped after heavy snowfall on February 7, PMGSY authorities pressed their snow clearing machines, in a bid to expedite the restoration process.
Assistant executive engineer, PMGSY, Bhaderwah, Atta Mohammad, said, “Extra men and machinery have been pressed into service since the past four days on a dozen PMGSY roads of Bhaderwah. Till Thursday afternoon, 2 roads have been made fully motorable, while 8 roads have been partially restored. On the remaining four roads, snow clearance work is being carried out at a brisk pace.”
Reports said that PMGSY authorities pressed their men and machinery, led by AEE Atta Mohammad, to clear the snow off 14 link roads, including Sartingal-Katyara, Chakka-Mathola, Dalain-Dharmunda, Kansar Road, Druddu-Gutasa, Drudu-Manva, Seri-Chattra, Senaa-Dugli, Bhalla-Tainsna, Bhalla-Malothi, Bhalla-Gajoth, Bhalla-Trown, Bhalla-Dhalla and Bhalra-Ghuraka.
Meanwhile, the locals appreciated the work being done by the concerned authorities.
“Earlier, after heavy snowfall, our roads used to remain closed till April, but this time around, PMGSY authorities did a commendable job by starting restoration work in February itself. But, the work of restoration is going on at a slow pace. To provide some relief to the people, especially residing in far-off areas, it should be expedited,” Yasir Ali Butt, a resident of Katyara village, said.
“Due to road blockage after heavy snowfall, we are facing acute shortage of medicines, ration, cooking gas and kerosene oil. Besides, we are going through several other problems in the absence of electricity and water supply,” Satish Kumar, naibsarpanchBhejja, said.
The AEE PMGSY said, “Although some roads are covered with 3 to 5 feet of snow, but we are on the job and have deployed 9 JCBs. We are hopeful that by the next 2 days, we will manage to restore all the roads under PMGSY.”