In an unprecedented move, the residents of Amritpura in the Bhalessa region of Doda district have taken up the task of completing a road that has remained incomplete for over 16 years. The Chaniyas-Amritpura road, approximately 5 km from the village, has been a source of constant frustration for the locals who, after years of waiting for official intervention, have decided to initiate the work independently.
Zakir Hussain, a resident of Amritpura, expressed the collective sentiment to The Chenab Times, stating, “Our road has been a long-standing issue, and despite assurances, it has remained incomplete for over a decade. Frustrated with the lack of progress, the community has come together to contribute both financially and through manual labor to address this pressing concern.”
The road, which connects Amritpura to Chaniyas, was initiated in 2008 but has witnessed minimal development since. Locals claim that the concerned Roads and Buildings (R&B) department has failed to provide the necessary attention to complete the project. Consequently, the villagers have resorted to funding the roadwork themselves.
Hussain highlighted the necessity of the road, stating, “Our daily lives have been significantly impacted by the incomplete road. It hampers transportation, affects accessibility to essential services, and limits economic opportunities for the community.”
Remarkably, the self-driven initiative saw progress until machinery was required, forcing a halt to the construction after covering a mere kilometer. Undeterred, the locals gathered funds independently to acquire the necessary equipment, showcasing their determination to see the project through.
As frustration mounts, residents plan to send a delegation to meet with the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Doda, Harvinder Singh IAS, seeking a resolution to their long-standing predicament. Zakir Hussain emphasized, “We believe that DC Doda, being newly appointed, will prioritize our concerns. Our delegation will present our case and appeal for the necessary support to complete the road.”
Furthermore, locals pointed out the apparent neglect of their region in comparison to areas like Bhaderwah, where DC Doda recently visited to oversee coming tourism festivals. Hussain urged authorities to recognize the untapped potential of Amritpura, specifically mentioning the scenic meadows of Bharmi Top and Moti Bagra Top. Despite their natural beauty, these areas remain untouched due to the lack of a proper road network.
The residents of Amritpura hope that their plea will resonate with the administration, bringing much-needed attention to their prolonged struggle for a basic necessity— a fully functional road. The completion of the Chaniyas-Amritpura road would not only address the immediate concerns of the community but also open up opportunities for tourism and economic development in the region.
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times