Satpokhran, August 4, 2024, 6:30 PM – Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, the National Media Coordinator of All India Gujjar and Bakerwal and a prominent social and political activist, visited Satpokhran today and was appalled by an incident that highlighted the dire state of infrastructure in the area. An unfinished bridge, which has been left incomplete for eight years, has created significant hardships for the local population.
The unfinished bridge connects several adjacent areas, including Nagander, Satpokhran Zaintrage, Bathen, Ismail Colony Satpokhran, Gujjar Basti Badwalo, and Gujjar Basti Bajnadi, all of which link to Khrew in Tehsil Pampore, District Pulwama. The incident that brought this issue to the forefront involved a pregnant woman from Zaintrage, who had to walk more than a kilometer at 11:20 AM due to the lack of a functional bridge. Dr. Bhat condemned the situation, stating, “We live in the 21st century, yet we still face such challenges. It is unfortunate and shameful for the concerned departments and contractors who have left this bridge unfinished for the past eight years.”
Addressing the gathered crowd, which included Sarpanch Mukhtar Ahmad of Satpokhran, Sarpanch Farooq Ahmad Wani of Wuyan, and other local residents, Dr. Bhat promised to escalate the matter to the relevant authorities. He stated, “I have requested the Chief Engineer to look into this matter urgently and resolve the issue as soon as possible to alleviate the suffering of the adjacent areas.”
The local residents are currently using a temporary road beside the unfinished bridge, thanks to the generosity of a landlord who owns a crusher in the area and has allowed traffic to pass through his land. However, this is not a sustainable solution, and the community’s grievances need immediate attention.
Dr. Bhat’s visit and his impassioned plea for action have brought renewed focus to the unfinished bridge. While addressing several media channels over the phone, Dr. Bhat emphasized the urgency of the situation. “This matter is of top priority. The authorities must act swiftly to prevent further hardships for the people of this region,” he urged.
The incident has highlighted the broader issue of neglected infrastructure projects in the region, which have significant implications for the daily lives and safety of residents. Dr. Bhat’s commitment to addressing this issue underscores his dedication to advocating for the needs of the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities and ensuring that they receive the attention and resources they deserve.
As the community awaits a resolution, the call for action remains loud and clear: the unfinished bridge in Satpokhran must be completed without further delay to restore normalcy and provide the essential infrastructure that the residents have been deprived of for far too long.
