Sopore, Aug 31(KNS): Masarat Kar, the daughter of the late Ghulam Rasool Kar, a well-known politician from Sopore, has the distinction of being the first woman to serve as president of the sopore municipal council, which consists of 21 wards. She has become a key female figure in the community as a result of her active commitment in restoring neglected areas of society. She has advanced in her position by being true to her roots and helping the people of the Sopore town, which is located in North Kashmir's Baramulla district, by taking over the chair of the Sopore Municipal Council.
In an open conversation between our journalist Mufferah Majeed Khuroo and Masrat Rasool Kar, the following exchange took place:
Mufferah: Can you please share the reasons that motivated you to assume the position of president at the Sopore Municipal Council?
Masrat Kar: I hold the belief that every woman aspires to contribute to society, much like her family does. I also held this aspiration to play a role in enhancing the well-being of our society. Encouragement from those close to me, including my loved ones, instilled confidence in me to participate in the Urban Local Body (ULB) elections. This led me to take a formal step into the realm of politics. Initially elected as a councillor from Model Town (Ward 13), I further engaged in the political sphere. Eventually, I contested the presidential elections and emerged victorious with a 12-vote margin on July 4, 2021.
Mufferah: Could you provide some insight on the noteworthy changes that the town underwent when you assumed the presidency?
Masrat Kar: Certainly. We faced significant difficulties during our time as the council, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic that followed the abrogation of Article 370 and its consequences. Uninitiated initiatives and the expiration of allotted funding constituted a significant challenge for us. We gave the completion of these projects, including well-known ones like the Sopore Clock Tower, fountains, and Chinkipora Park, first priority. Our council's core values included making sure that the money it was given was used wisely and wasn't wasted or diverted to other councils.
Addressing the upkeep of lanes and drains was another significant undertaking. We identified waste disposal as a pressing issue and subsequently approved a project at Jatti Baramulla. Additionally, we've been diligently working to identify an appropriate collection point in Sopore for waste disposal. Notably, we also focused on establishing public parks in Sopore, creating recreational spaces for the community.
Mufferah: In your perspective, what are the primary challenges that the town is currently grappling with?
Masrat Kar: Sopore, due to its central location, experiences a constant influx of people, resulting in a daily footfall ranging from 20,000 to 25,000 individuals. While this situation contributes to congestion and transportation complexities, it simultaneously generates substantial revenue for the town. Moreover, Sopore houses the second-largest freshwater lake in Asia and the second-largest fruit mandi, both of which enhance its significance. However, these assets also lead to transportation difficulties for the residents.
Additionally, sanitation remains a prominent challenge. To address this, we've established teams of sweepers assigned to each ward, yet maintaining cleanliness across the town remains a complex task.
Mufferah: Can you shed light on the ongoing projects or initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Sopore's residents?
Masrat Kar: Certainly, we are actively engaged in numerous projects to enhance the well-being of our residents. These include the establishment of improved drinking water facilities, the creation of parks and green spaces, beautification initiatives along the Jehlum river, and the enhancement of urban transport options. Additionally, we are working to strengthen educational infrastructure, establish modern vending zones, and provide better infrastructure for Primary Health Centers (PHCs) within the town.
Mufferah: In your perspective, what lies ahead for Sopore's future if the current trajectory of development continues?
Masrat Kar: If we continue to pursue development with the same passion and commitment, we envision a more developed and prosperous Sopore in the future. However, it's crucial for the relevant departments to become more accountable. This accountability will be pivotal in ensuring that our aspirations and dreams for Sopore are realized to their fullest potential.
Mufferah: The term "municipal council" often brings to mind aspects like waste management and sanitation. Could you elaborate on the measures you've implemented in these areas?
Masrat Kar: Indeed, waste management and sanitation are critical components of our responsibilities. To address waste disposal, we've approved a dumping project at Jatti Baramulla. The process involves collecting garbage from various collection points between 8 am and 12 pm. After this collection phase, the waste is transported to the designated dumping site in Baramulla's Jatti area. This systematic approach helps in managing waste effectively.
Furthermore, our efforts in enhancing sanitation across Sopore are ongoing. We are continuously exploring ways to elevate the cleanliness standards within the town, ensuring a healthier and more pleasant environment for the residents.(KNS).