The Reshwari in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district highlights a grim reality for its nearly 5,000 residents. For decades, the absence of a proper bridge over the Mawar stream has brought tragedy and turmoil to this remote village, claiming numerous lives and significantly disrupting daily life. The recurrent fatalities, particularly among children, underscore an urgent humanitarian need that demands immediate attention and action from authorities. The dangers of the Mawar stream, especially during the glacial melt from April to July, cannot be ignored. The makeshift bridge, a perilous crossing, stands as a testament to Governmental neglect and the resilience of the local community. Stories like that of Bashir Ahmad, who lost his son to the unforgiving waters, are heartbreakingly common. These tragic losses are not just statistics; they represent profound grief and unfulfilled potential. Each child lost is a reminder of the precariousness of life in Reshwari and the failure to provide basic infrastructure that could safeguard the community.
The recent tragedy of a 7-year-old girl slipping into the stream, her body yet to be recovered, should catalyze action. The residents, primarily labourers, face the harsh decision of risking their children’s lives for education or keeping them home, denying them opportunities for a better future. This is a choice no parent should have to make. Local officials acknowledge the problem and the necessity for safe connectivity. The identification of areas requiring bridges is a step in the right direction, but it must be followed by swift and decisive action. The DDC must prioritise funding for this critical infrastructure, recognising that the cost of inaction is measured in human lives. It is not merely a matter of convenience, but about ensuring that children can go to school without fear, that pregnant women can access medical care safely, and that the daily lives of residents are not overshadowed by the threat of tragedy. The community’s sole demand is heartbreakingly simple: a bridge that guarantees their safety and connects them to opportunities and essential services.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
