(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) NO SOCIAL media
At a time when the world is witnessing a social media boom, the youngsters of this area only crave for having a connection.
“We also want to remain connected to the world around us. But how come? We aren't getting any signals here,” said Aatif Khan who is in his 20's.“Government must be notifying many pro-people-welfare schemes but we all remain uneducated about it.”
“How do you expect us to compete and excel in our studies when you have such issues lingering on in your area.”
Another resident, Gulzar Ahmad Khan said that their children were facing many hardships and the result is that hardly anybody wants to pursue education beyond 8th standard.
“We have a middle school in the area which has never been upgraded. Our daughters have to foot a distance of 8 kilometers one way to Pazlpora to reach high school and same distance back through forest area and as a result they drop out,” Khan said.
“We had requested authorities many times about its upgradation but nothing happened. Every regime made a fool out of us.”
“In order to enhance infrastructure capacity of the areas where the army's presence is vital, the Army by itself is implementing a wide range of measures, which boosts operational capabilities of forces deployed in the high-altitude hostile terrain. However, here the local administration could easily address these issues on priority and without letting the people and soldiers suffer further,” a local army officer, wishing not to be named, said.“I don't think people of this area are demanding any major projects. Basic amenities are their right. Sadak, Bijili, Pani and ration should be easily available at least.”
HEALTHCARE CRISIS VILLAGE
The villagers of the Chandaji area claim that during winters, they often carry a critical patient on a cot and walk miles on foot to reach the nearest hospital due to the lack of road connectivity for this far-flung village. The villagers recalled the story of a pregnant woman who they had to carry on a cot to Bandipore, some 10 kilometers away.
The villagers said that at around 6 am in the morning, they left the village carrying the patient on their shoulders and reached Pazalpora at around 11 AM but.
“Unfortunately we have seen politicians in our village only during the eve of elections. They make tall promises that they will resolve all our issues and later renege on their promises,” said another local, Kabir Ahmad.
Sarpanh of the area, Mubarik Ahmad Khan, said that the successive governments have failed to address issues on the ground. He said that despite reminders to the government and the concerned authorities, nothing was done on the ground.
“This is the fate of Sarpanch. I am getting discredited among my own people. Nothing, no developmental concerns are addressed by the district administration,” Khan said.
“I am planning to go to the Raj Bhavan and lodge a protest there so that our concerns are heard. I don't understand what happened to the meetings held during Block Diwas and Back to Village,” he added.
Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, Dr Owais Ahmed Rana, told Kashmir Observer, that many of their issues have been addressed. He said that regarding the health centre, the issue would be addressed within one month as the ADC was looking into the matter closely.
“There is some dispute going on. We are on it and it will be addressed within one month,” he said.
He said that efforts are on to ensure that the area comes under the tourism map of the district.“A local eco-park is also coming up in the area and the road project is being taken up under the PMGSY. We are trying to provide the basic amenities to the village on priority,” he added.
About Bandipora
Bandipora (locally called Bundpur) is the administrative headquarters of the district of Bandipora located on the northern banks of Wular – the largest fresh water lake in Asia. Despite being the richest wetland of South Asia no steps were taken to save Wular in past several decades. Bandipora is also a stepping town to the higher reaches of Razdan, Gurez and Tragbal.
Bandipora was the connecting link between North India and Central Asia via the Silk Road. At Pazalpora village wherefrom we take route to village Chandajji, there was a custom and immigration department which is now a forest check post. Due to the fact, Bandipora is also known as Gateway to Central Asia . There are strong links between Skardu, Gurez and Bandipora.
Demography
According to the 2011 census Bandipora district has a population of 392,232,roughly equal to the nation of Maldives. This gives it a ranking of 561st in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 1,117 inhabitants per square kilometre .Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 26.31%.Bandipora has a sex ratio of 911 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 57.82%.
The majority of the population is Muslim and dominant language is Kashmiri. Gojri and Pahari are also spoken. Tehsil Gurez is Shina-speaking. There are few Pashtun villages on the Line of Control. The famous Kishan Ganga Hydro Electric Project is also located in Bandipora.