Srinagar, Jun 17 (KNS): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senior leader and former minister Naeem Akhtar toured various far-flung areas of north Kashmir’s Bandipora in order to get the first-hand appraisal of the grievances being faced by the people in these remote hamlets of the constituency.

Akhtar visited Chandaji area where recently two young were killed due to the windstorm. Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, he questioned the delay being done by the government in disbursement of ex-gratia in favour of the next kin of the victims.

Also, while meeting several peoples’ delegations in the area,

Akhtar was appraised about the lack of proper road connectivity and how in spite of the approved scheme under PMGSY, no work on the project has been started yet.

Akhtar also spoke to the concerned Chief Engineer over the issue who assured him that the work on the road will begin soon.

The PDP leader, meanwhile, urged the government to ensure that present development season is not lost and take into consideration the hardships being faced by the inhabitants of the area as they have to walk through 7 km long tough terrains to reach the main road.

Akhtar also expressed concern over the non- implementation of the SAUBHAGYA scheme, stating that till date only half of the hamlet has been covered under the said scheme, thus contradicting claim of the Prime Minister that every single hamlet has been electrified. He urged the government to address the issue on priority so that people aren’t made to face further problems on this front.

Akhtar also highlighted the issue pertaining to the lack mobile telephony services in the area. He said that as Gurez and Bandipora are already connected, it is the only place where there is no mobile connectivity. The PDP leader said that it will need just one mobile tower to bring the area on the communication map.

Further, Akhtar also visited several other areas where the recent hailstorm had wrecked havoc. He has urged the government to compensate the victims on priority at an earliest.

The former minister also expressed dismay over the dismal pace of work on main Bandipora road from Ajas to Sonarwani being executed under CRF. He said that keeping in view the snail’s pace of work, it doesn’t look like that it will be completed in December this year which is the target completion date of the road project.

He also questioned government’s non- serious approach as the work on Athwadu Sonarwani road project is yet to begin, adding peoples woes to a large extent. (KNS)