Srinagar, Dec 11: Residents of Rangil in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir are voicing growing concerns over the deteriorating condition of a key road and the continued neglect of a once-popular playground, both essential to the daily lives of the community. Despite repeated complaints and assurances, no substantial improvements have been made, leaving the community to grapple with the consequences of delayed action.
The road in question, which connects Rangil to a government middle school and serves as a primary route for local traffic, has been in poor condition for over a year. The lack of maintenance has created significant difficulties, especially during the harsh winter months, when the road becomes nearly impassable.
Bashir Ahmad, a local resident, expressed his frustration over the situation. “We’ve been struggling with this road for years,” he said. “We’ve made multiple complaints, but nothing seems to be getting done. It’s been over a year since any maintenance work was done. The road hasn’t even been dusted properly, let alone macadamized.”
Ahmad emphasized the difficulties faced by both students and locals, particularly in winter when the road becomes slippery and dangerous. “This road is essential for everyone here—students, workers, and families. When winter sets in, it’s nearly impossible to travel safely. The authorities need to act before it gets worse,” he said.
In addition to the deteriorating road, the condition of a nearby playground has also become a major point of contention. The playground, once a popular gathering spot for children, is now in disrepair. Rumors have circulated that funds have already been allocated for its renovation, but no visible progress has been made. This has only added to the sense of frustration and abandonment felt by residents.
“This playground used to be the center of activity for children in this area,” said Ahmad. “Kids from all nearby villages would come here to play. But now, it’s been completely ruined. We hear that the government has released funds for its repair, but no work has started yet. We’re left wondering where the money is going.”
“We will include the road in our plan, and if it gets approved, we will definitely proceed with its macadamization,” said Tatheer Ahmad, Executive Engineer, R&B Division Ganderbal, in response to the concerns raised by the residents.
For students like Ayesha, a pupil at the government middle school, the state of the road has created serious challenges. “In the summer, the road is somewhat manageable, but in the winter, it becomes a nightmare,” she said. “We often have to walk through muddy fields because the road is too slippery. My uniform gets dirty, and one of my friends even slipped last winter because of the rain. It’s not safe.”
Ayesha also spoke to the broader importance of addressing both the road and playground issues. “The government should repair the road and the playground as soon as possible,” she said. “We need a safe way to go to school, and children need a place to play. Both of these are essential for our lives here.”
With winter approaching, the road is expected to worsen further, exacerbating the difficulties faced by students and local residents. The neglected playground, once a lively hub of activity, now stands as a clear symbol of the need for urgent investment in the area’s infrastructure.
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