Budgam Villagers Demand Bridge, Road Repairment

SRINAGAR: Residents of Habbar Shunglipora village in Khag Tehsil of central Kashmir’s Budgam district have appealed to the government to construct a permanent bridge over Habar Nallah and repair the Shunglipora–Tosamaidan road, which they say has been neglected for years.

Locals said the broken road and absence of a bridge have made everyday life miserable, especially for schoolchildren, the elderly, and nomadic families. During the rainy season, when the water level in the nallah rises, crossing becomes dangerous and often impossible, forcing children to miss school for days. “Our children are forced to stay home when the water level is high. They miss school regularly due to the unsafe crossing conditions,” one resident explained.

Villagers added that the problem is not new, but successive administrations have failed to respond to their repeated pleas. Highlighting the plight of poor families, Kafayat Hussain said that even medical emergencies turn into ordeals, as drivers charge double fares to travel on the road because of its deteriorated condition. “We are poor families, yet in emergencies, we have to pay extra since drivers hesitate to bring their vehicles here. The government must acknowledge our suffering,” he said.

The Shunglipora–Habbar–Tosamaidan road is considered a lifeline for more than 20 villages and also connects the area to the Tosamaidan tourist destination. Its poor condition not only disrupts the daily movement of people but also hampers economic activity and delays essential services, including healthcare.

Residents stressed that they are not seeking luxuries but basic facilities that ensure safety and dignity. “We only want a safe road and a bridge so that our children can go to school and patients can reach hospitals on time,” said another villager. They urged the Deputy Commissioner of Budgam and the local MLA to visit the area, assess the ground situation, and take immediate steps to resolve this long-pending demand. [KNT]