 M S NAZKI
EARLY TIMES REPORT
POONCH, Apr 28: Residents of Kallar Kattal in Surankote area of Poonch district are facing immense hardships due to absence of a bridge over a local stream.
Nestled in the foothills of mountains, Kallar Kattal is a tiny hamlet that remains cut off from the rest of Poonch District during rains as the area lacks an all-weather connectivity. Considered as the most backward area of Surankote town, the area is facing various other problems including access to drinking water and health care facilities or even electricity.
People of the area said everyday they walk over a makeshift wooden bridge to cross the stream to reach the nearest market. They said that the road leading to the bridge is in deplorable condition and that was adding to their woes further as the road has not been repaired for years.
“The only wish of the people in the area is better road communication – a bridge over the stream as it will end one of their major problems. It becomes extremely difficult for the people to cross the stream, which swells up during the rainy season,” said a local woman resident.
The locals said that every year, they construct a temporary bridge over the stream but during the rainy season the gushing waters wash away the bridge, leaving people with no option to cross the stream. “During rains, the area remains cut off from the rest of the Poonch District
The residents said that several people over the years have lost their lives due to lack of a connecting link, as they could not get the timely medical attention. “Had there been a bridge, several people would have survived,” they said, adding: “only we know how we risk our lives every time we cross the river during the rainy season.
“It’s the pregnant women and patients who are the worst sufferers,” they said. The locals also lamented that they have repeatedly raised the issues with the authorities but to no avail.
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