Handwara, May 21: A long-pending demand of residents from the Ramhal to Rajwar areas has finally been addressed by the District Administration, Kupwara, through the PMGSY Division Handwara, with the restoration of the crucial Dogripora-Waisa road link. The road, which had remained inaccessible for decades, was in such poor condition that even foot traffic was a challenge.
The long-awaited work commenced at the beginning of this summer, following sustained efforts and repeated representations by local DDC, BDC members, and Panchayat representatives to the district administration and PMGSY authorities.
However, the local population has expressed serious dissatisfaction over the work process and the quality of materials being used. According to residents, the macadamization on this stretch of road appears fragile, with visible cracks forming even before completion. Locals alleged that crucial equipment like air compressors was not used, and rollers were not properly operated — leaving the road edges without proper compaction.
"The machinery was brought to the site just for show," alleged one local resident, adding that "the road is already showing cracks, and we fear it won't last more than a few months."
In addition, heavy machinery reportedly damaged multiple drinking water pipelines and existing drainage systems in the area. Locals say that many water connections remain disrupted, with pipes still exposed and unattended, leaving residents to struggle for basic amenities.
Residents have also raised concerns over the absence of concrete retaining walls at critical turns and the lack of a proper drainage system, both of which are essential for the safety and durability of this mountainous road.
The aggrieved locals have appealed to the Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Chief Engineer PMGSY, the LG administration, and even former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally visit the area and address these long-standing public concerns.
When contacted for comment, the Executive Engineer PMGSY stated he was engaged in a meeting at the Chief Engineer’s office and advised approaching the concerned Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE). The AEE, while unwilling to appear on camera, assured that a team would inspect the site tomorrow. He further pledged that public funds would not be allowed to go to waste and called for public cooperation to ensure work transparency.
Our ground team from Headlines Today and correspondent Tameel Irshad are actively monitoring the developments in the area. We commit to revisiting this issue six months from now with a detailed follow-up report on the present macadamization work executed by the PMGSY Division Handwara.
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