Srinagar, Jan 24 (KNO): Several remote areas of the Kashmir Valley on Saturday accused the government of failing to clear snow from roads, causing significant inconvenience to residents.
The residents of Ringzabal and Khansahib areas of Budgam district told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that snow had remained uncleared in interior roads, leaving an ambulance stranded.
“We called several times, but no help arrived. It was terrifying when a patient needed urgent care,” said a resident from Khansahib.
In the Charar-i-Sharief constituency, villagers urged immediate action after snowfall blocked several interior roads. “While the administration has cleared the main road, many interior routes remain cut off due to accumulated snow,” said Hakeem Ahmad, a local resident.
Similar complaints came from Ramhall and Rajwar, where locals said the lack of clearance caused severe disruption to daily life.
In Kupwara district, residents in Watayin, Langate, and surrounding villages reported slippery and unsafe conditions on roads that remain uncleared. “Commuting has become dangerous, especially for children and the elderly,” said a villager from Langate.
The administration said said it was prioritising interior and link roads in Budgam, including Khag, Khansahib, Pakherpora, and Yousmarg, but locals said many areas continue to face hardship.
Shopian, Anantnag, Bandipora’s Dardpora area, and higher reaches of the Valley also witnessed similar problems.
“Snow clearance is slow, and essential services are badly affected. We urge the administration to act swiftly,” said a resident of Dardpora in Bandipora district.
The locals criticised the government for failing to restore essential services, including power and water supply, in Rafiabad, Zaingare and surrounding areas even after nearly 24 hours.
They said main and interior roads connecting the constituency to district and tehsil headquarters remain blocked, disrupting normal life, particularly affecting the movement of patients, elderly residents and emergency services.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg said snow clearance work is underway across Kashmir, with about 75 per cent of roads cleared following recent heavy snowfall.
Garg said that out of nearly 20,000 kilometres of road length, around 15,000 kilometres have been cleared so far. He added that work on interior and link roads is in progress and is expected to be completed by Saturday evening.
The Div Com said a coordinated plan involving the Mechanical Engineering Department, Roads and Buildings Department, PMGSY and other agencies is being implemented to restore road connectivity across the Valley—(KNO)