Suhail Rather
Bandipora: A deep sense of anger and helplessness has gripped residents of Bandipora as freshly macadamized roads—constructed with public money—are being dug up within months of completion, turning crucial road stretches into dust bowls and potential death traps.
Locals allege glaring administrative apathy, lack of inter-departmental coordination, and unchecked arbitrariness by private cable contractors, with the public left to bear the consequences.
Major stretches from Gunddachina to Nusoo now stand badly scarred on both sides despite recent resurfacing by the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department. Shockingly, soon after macadamization, private cable and wiring agencies were allowed to excavate these roads for laying Optical Fibre Cables (OFC), with no visible restoration or accountability.
Last month, a private company carried out extensive earth-cutting along the Bandipora–Gunddachina road for OFC installation. Even after months, the trenches remain unattended, having taken the shape of open drains that pose a constant threat to motorists and pedestrians.
Residents from Papachan to Nadihal described the situation as “dangerously worsening,” particularly near the petrol pump and at Wodura Crossing, where commuting has become extremely hazardous.
“One department macadamizes the road, another digs it up the very next day. There is no system, no coordination, and no concern for public safety,” anguished locals said.
Adding to the misery, open pits created by the digging work are now being used as dumping grounds, accumulating garbage, dust, and stagnant water. Narrow walking spaces, uneven surfaces, and emerging potholes have turned daily travel into a nightmare, especially in Papachan, Nusoo, Nadihal, and adjoining localities.
Even as recently as Monday, residents reported fresh cutting of a newly macadamized stretch near Papachan on the link road to the DC office, raising serious questions over whether any authority is monitoring or regulating such activities.
Locals squarely blame the absence of coordination between the R&B Department and telecom agencies, terming it a criminal waste of taxpayer-funded infrastructure. Despite macadamization projects being approved in late 2025 and early 2026, residents allege that roads barely survive a single season before being destroyed by “haphazard and unscientific” utility works.
Beyond surface damage, the open trenches have turned routine travel into a risky exercise, particularly during evenings and low visibility. “An accident is just waiting to happen,” residents warned.
The aggrieved public has now appealed directly to the Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, demanding strict enforcement of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) mechanism. They insist that no utility or telecom agency should be allowed to dig freshly macadamized roads without a time-bound restoration plan backed by penalties.
Residents also raised concerns over alleged substandard material usage, claiming that several macadamized roads—including inner link roads of Bandipora—have developed cracks within months, pointing towards deeper issues in execution and supervision.
When contacted, senior R&B officials stated that a portion of contractor payments has been withheld to ensure repairs during the upcoming season. However, residents remain unconvinced.
“Roads are damaged today, and we are told to wait for tomorrow. This is not governance; this is neglect,” a resident remarked.
Expressing complete loss of faith, locals demanded a high-level probe into all road works executed during 2025, urging the Anti-Corruption Bureau and other investigative agencies to examine contractor performance, material quality, and the alleged nexus enabling repeated destruction of public assets.
“We have always been neglected. No one listens until an accident happens. Is public safety worth so little?” another resident questioned.
Meanwhile, the OFC cable company defended its actions, claiming it has deposited a “substantial amount” with the concerned department as charges for road cutting and subsequent restoration. However, the claim has only intensified public anger, as no visible repair work has been carried out so far.
Commenting on the issue, Bandipora resident Ashiq Hussain said that merely paying money does not absolve responsibility. “If funds have been taken in the name of restoration, then where is the restoration?” he asked, stressing that public vigilance has become essential amid administrative failure.
Responding to the issue, the Superintending Engineer, Roads and Buildings Department, Bandipora, said she would inquire into the matter and seek details from the concerned Executive Engineer.
The story will be updated as more information becomes available. (KNS)
