Baramulla, Apr 30: Palhallan village, touted as a model village, stands as a stark contradiction to its title, as the lack of development and basic amenities plague its residents.
Situated just a few kilometres from Pattan, the village’s dilapidated roads and absence of a proper drainage system paint a picture far removed from the ideals of progress.
Locals, disillusioned by years of neglect, have voiced their frustration over the authorities’ failure to address their pressing issues.
Farooq Ahmad, a local, while highlighting the sorry state of the roads, which have remained unprepared for over seven years said that once hailed as a model village, Palhallan now grapples with the absence of even the most fundamental infrastructure.
”When it rains, our roads resemble ponds. Drivers struggle to navigate through, and pedestrians are forced to seek alternate routes,” Ahmad said, highlighting the daily challenges faced by the villagers.
Palhallan, boasting of being one of the largest villages in the district, relies heavily on agriculture and horticulture for its sustenance.
However, the deteriorating road conditions have become a significant hindrance to transporting goods, particularly during peak seasons like apple harvesting.
Ghulam Rasool, a local fruit grower, expressed his dismay over the economic toll inflicted by the poor road conditions.
“Transporting apples from orchards to the fruit mandi becomes a daunting task. Private carriers often refuse to ply on these roads, causing financial losses,” said Ghulam Rasool, highlighting the adverse impact on the village’s economy.
Students too bear the brunt of the neglect, with impassable roads making it challenging to commute to schools and tuition centres, especially during the rainy season.
Potholes, brimming with rainwater, impede movement, exacerbating the woes of both residents and students alike.
The residents have called upon the Baramulla district administration to prioritise the plight of Palhallan village.
They seek immediate action to address the crumbling infrastructure and ensure that the promises of development are fulfilled, lest the villagers continue to feel abandoned by the authorities.