Handwara, July 11, KNT: Growing public concern surrounds the deteriorating condition of the Zachaldara-Satkoji PMGSY road in Handwara, with locals from Ahgam, Rajpora, and Behnipora warning that unchecked encroachments and dangerous roadside obstacles have turned the key rural link into a serious safety hazard.
Constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the road was meant to improve connectivity in remote areas. However, residents say that several stretches have remained narrow, congested, and unsafe for years due to a complete failure in removing electric poles and walnut trees that still stand within the road alignment.
“These trees and poles are not just an inconvenience—they’re dangerous,” said a local Sumo driver, who added that drivers are forced to either swerve suddenly or slow down abruptly, resulting in frequent accidents and near misses.
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The situation has been further exacerbated by the unchecked rise in illegal construction along the roadside, particularly in Ahgam Rajpora and Behnipora, where locals say structures have come up in clear violation of the Ribbon Development Act, a law that bars construction within a specified distance from roadways to ensure safety and traffic mobility.
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“The road’s width has effectively shrunk. These encroachments are illegal, but no one is taking any action. It feels like the authorities have turned a blind eye,” said a shopkeeper in Rajpora.
This crucial stretch of road connects several villages and is a lifeline for transporters, daily commuters, school children, and patients. Locals say navigating these roads during rush hours or bad weather has become nearly impossible and increasingly dangerous.
Despite multiple complaints and written appeals from residents and transport associations, officials have yet to initiate any significant corrective action. People have now renewed their appeal to the district administration, demanding, immediate removal of electric poles and walnut trees from the road alignment, strict enforcement of the Ribbon Development Act to halt further encroachments and demolition of illegal roadside structures that compromise road safety.
Locals warn that if no steps are taken soon, the situation could escalate into a major public safety crisis, urging the authorities to act before more lives are put at risk. [KNT]
