Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 27: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the State since independence has been facing severe problems of connectivity and that the vital developmental projects at present are being neglected in the State as part of a sinister plan.
“While you promise more and lay more foundation stones, the life in Kashmir hasn’t changed a bit because of connectivity problems. The momentum built during the past three years has been at present destroyed to the core and now situation is such that most vital projects are being neglected as part of a sinister plan,” senior PDP leader and former Minister Naeem Akhtar said.
He stated that the construction of Zojila Tunnel has been abandoned while as the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar Jammu highway is in shambles. Akhtar said that 72 years have passed since Jammu and Kashmir was made to throw its lot with the Union but people still wait for the all weather road that could connect the landlocked Kashmir valley with the outer world.
“When Kashmir took a decision to go with India, it closed all its traditional routes. But the condition of the Jammu -Srinagar Highway continues to remain pathetic even after 72 years of Independence. In 2003 Vajpayee laid the foundation stone of its extension but 16 years have passed and nothing concrete has been achieved, ” Akhtar said.
The former Minister said that the PDP Government had with the Central Government discussed in detail the need of tunnelling between Ramban and Banihal section so that vehicular movement on the highway remains uninterrupted and smooth even during the inclement weather. Though the proposal was agreed by the Central Government but not carried forward, Akhtar said.
He said PDP led Government also emphasised for the construction of a tunnel on Mughal Road in order to make it an all weather road. Though, the issue was again discussed at threadbare with the Central Government but no forward movement was witnessed. He added that Wailoo tunnel was agreed to be built but the plan at present remains on paper only. He said National Highway between Pampore and Qazigund via Shopian and Pulwama was downgraded but even in that downgraded form, no action has been taken so far. Similarly, Four-laning of Baramulla-Srinagar Road stands approved but no action has been taken so far on ground.
Akhtar urged the Prime Minister that while laying foundation stones of the new projects, fate of those vital developmental projects that have gone into limbo should also be checked.
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