Civil society, traders’ body in Baramulla decry poor road condition

Baramulla, May 18: The residents of Baramulla town, led by members of civil society and the Traders Federation Baramulla, have voiced deep resentment over the worsening civic and healthcare infrastructure in the town, blaming the authorities for what they termed as “deliberate neglect.”

At a press conference held here the speakers castigated the administration for failing to initiate road macadamisation and for ignoring critical healthcare requirements at Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla. Tariq Ahmad Mughloo, the President Traders Federation Baramulla, lambasted the administration for allowing roads in the town to fall into complete disrepair.

“From Azad Gunj to Khadniyar, roads are riddled with potholes. Dust clouds make life miserable for commuters and residents during the summer months,” he said.

Expressing dismay over the condition of roads in old town Baramulla, where residents have repeatedly staged protests and even observed shutdowns to draw attention to their plight. Mughloo said, “Unfortunately, none of these protests have had any impact. This neglect suggests a discriminatory attitude towards the people of old town,” he said. He also highlighted the crumbling condition of the Khanpora–Kanispora road, a key road stretch that connects major schools and institutions like the District Hospital and GMC Baramulla.” This stretch should have been a priority, yet authorities remain unmoved,” Mughloo added.

Equally alarming, according to the civil society and federation members, is the absence of essential medical services at GMC Baramulla. “The hospital lacks a cardiologist, a nephrologist, and does not have a an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This has cost lives,” Mughloo warned, citing cases of heart attacks and accident victims who could not be saved due to the absence of critical care at the GMC Baramulla.

The speakers further said that several posts for doctors and paramedics at the Associated hospital GMC Baramulla are vacant. “There is no serious effort to fill these vacancies or strengthen critical departments. What’s the point of having a medical college if it cannot save lives, Mughloo asked.