Where on one hand, the ongoing development spree initiated by the union dispensation to ensure development of the Union Territory is going on unabated and several new initiatives are being taken on almost daily-basis to further accelerate the process across the length and breadth of J&K, but it has been observed that there are several issues, which though quite minor for the administration, have been left unattended thereby causing several hardships for the masses. One such major issue is the condition of roads and other stretches in both the regions, which are causing numerous problems for the people in both the divisions. In the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir, earlier low-quality raw-material was used to carry out development works like construction of roads, which were not able to bear the wrath of the weather vagaries and need repairs every year. Although, after the formation of Union territory, a number of new roads and highway projects were started in every part, using quality raw-material, maximum of which are near completion, there is a need to initiate repair works on the existing infrastructure, especially in twin capital cities. It is not that the administration is not interested in carrying out repair works of old existing roads and focussing only on creation of new infrastructure, but there are few hurdles which are hampering the works. Earlier there was a lack of accountability and transparency in the official system and several blue-eyed persons used to avail benefits due to patronage of politicians and some senior officers, but the present Government has kept a check on all such activities and taking stern actions against all those found indulged in such anti-people activities for gaining monetary benefits. In this regard, the administration has now halted the process to renew cards of many contractors and hot-mix plant operators by the PW (R&B) department and introduced several new conditions for the same so that only genuine and deserving candidates can get the same. As per reports, due to delay in renewal of cards, the repair works of roads are hampering. Looking at the hardships faced by people, the administration should initiate some measures to expedite the process so that the roads can be made fit for the commuters, especially tourists who visit the Union Territory from various other States, Union Territories and even abroad.
