By | Meer Iqbal
Jammu: MLA Lolab Qaiser Jamsheed Lone brought the matter of snowfall on roads in Machil, regular power failures in Lolab, and the immediate need for tunnel work in Machil and Karan in Assembly. He requested the government to act immediately, as the people are still suffering, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
Machil roads are still under 4 to 5 feet of snow, and transportation is almost impossible. MLA Lone urged the administration to clear the roads at once to resume connectivity and make sure that the people, particularly those in the far-flung areas, do not suffer because of inclement weather. He also mentioned a recent tragic case in which Gohar Ahmed Mir (24), son of Abdul Ghani Mir, a Dapal Machil resident, died suddenly of a heart attack in Chandigarh. His body was brought to Kupwara and then proceeded towards Machil, but because of heavy snowfall and incessant rain, the road was jammed for traffic. Consequently, his family and locals were left with no option but to bear his body on a stretcher, walking along snowy roads to Zameendar Gali. With the assistance of Beacon and Army personnel, they were able to take the body to Pir Baba Shrine and then to Machil. The unfortunate incident testifies to the need for proper road connectivity in the area.
MLA Lone was a strong supporter of building tunnels in Machil and Karan to provide connectivity throughout the year. He stressed that each winter, these regions are isolated from the rest of the region because of heavy snowfall, and this causes serious problems for the people. He requested the government to consider this matter seriously and sanction tunnel projects for both regions.
Another serious point raised in the Assembly was the regular power failure in Lolab, especially at Sehri and Iftar times, posing a great hardship to people celebrating Ramadan. He also highlighted the fact that various transformers in other parts of Lolab are burnt out and must be repaired as a matter of urgency.
MLA Lone emphasized that these problems are not mere administrative lapses but humanitarian issues, impacting the daily lives and religious practices of thousands. He urged the government to immediately clear Machil roads of snow, restore power supply without interruption in Lolab, and begin work on tunnel projects to offer permanent relief to Machil and Karan people. The people in these regions now await a solution from the administration, as snowfall and power disruptions still hinder their day-to-day lives.
