Srinagar, March 28: People of Marwah-Warwan valleys of Kishtwar district in Chenab region on Thursday expressed resentment against the authorities over slow snow clearance operations over Margan top road.
Irshad Hussain, a local resident of Marwah, told Rising Kashmir that from the past several months, the crucial road between Kishtwar and Anantnag has been closed due to accumulation of snow over the road.
“Last month, the government started snow clearance operations along the road, but due to snail work on both sides, the road has not been restored yet,” he said.
Hussain said on Wednesday, local residents of Marwah carried pregnant women on shoulders to reach the Hospital in Anantnag. It is unfortunate that snow has not been lifted yet, he added.
Another local, Mohammad Yousuf said that due to closure of the road has immensely increased chaos and restlessness among the residents of the area which has led to severe shortage of essential commodities.
"Our shops are running out of stock due to which people are facing problems. We appeal to both Deputy Commissioner Anantnag and Kishtwar to restore the road as soon as possible,” he said.
Yousuf said that closing the road puts sick people at risk because there are no nearby medical facilities. The government needs to find other ways to keep people safe, he said.
The locals of the area urged high-ups to intervene into the matter and redress the ongoing crisis.
Sub Divisional Magistrate Marwah, Dr Mohammad Ashraf told Rising Kashmir that snow clearance operations are underway and road will be restored before 1st April.
“As per our latest information from ground zero, Anantnag towards Margan top is almost clear road, while 8 kilometres is pending from Kishtwar side. The road will be likely by April 1st. It will be a big relief to the people,” he said.
The Margan Top is the only road link connecting a population of over 50,000 in four dozen villages of Marwah and Warwan with nearest town Anantnag over 100 km away.
Thousands of people remained disconnected due to snowfall at Margan Top with the rest of the country for over five months. Last year it was restored on May 3rd but this year due to less snowfall it will open by the end of the first week of April.