MASROOR AHMAD
BUDGAM: With Assembly elections return to the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir after a decade, the residents of Chadoora Assembly Constituency are voicing their expectations for solutions to long-standing local issues, including water shortage, stray dog menace, and brick kilns pollutions and curbing of illegal mining .
Chadoora is one of the important Assembly segment of District Budgam. In Chadoora Tehsil there are 2 Assembly seats Cahdoora and Charar-e- Sharief .The people facesvariety of civic challenges that voters hope will be addressed by the elected representatives. Residents, particularly youngsters, have highlighted these issues as critical in determining their vote.
“We will review the manifestos of the political parties to see who is committed to resolving the water shortage, lack of parking space and brick kelin problems in our constituency,” said Nissar Ahmad and Farooq Ahmad, both residents of the constituency.
The scarcity of parking space in the town is a pressing concern, especially during the office hours when vehicles are parked along both sides of the main roads and in lanes across the segment. This situation causes significant inconvenience, often leading to traffic jams and accidents, particularly during peak hours.
Nissar Ahmad, a retired official, echoed these concerns. “Apart from water shortage, stray dogs, dilapidated roads are major issues for the residents of this constituency, which falls under the jurisdiction of Chadoora constituency,” he noted.
Ahmad criticized the authorities for its failure to control the stray dog population, which poses a threat to the elderly and children. He also highlighted illegal mining in the area and said many functionaries have not taken any note till date.
In several Gowherpora, Kuzweera Magraypora, Khanda and Bugam residents face irregular water supply, with the situation becoming especially dire during the peak summer months.
“Our only concern is regular water supply and good road connectivity” said Masarat Shah a housewife. She questioned the claims of development, asking, “If there is development, why are we receiving water only two hours in a day?”
People also want to redressal of one of the biggest issue — closure of illegal brick kilns which is more harmful to human lives , horticulture and agriculture sectors.
A senior citizen of Gowherpora told STATE TIMES that these kilns are producing toxic smog, which is responsible for chronic diseases in older generation, so we want to get rid of these kilns.
As the election approaches, the voters of Chadoora Constituency are keenly awaiting the release of party manifestos, hoping to find promises that address these urgent needs. Their decision at the polls will hinge on which party they believe can deliver on these critical issues. Voters said , this time there are no hollow slogans ,we will give vote for the party which will work for the welfare of the people.