Left in the Dark: Moori Kalaroose in Kupwara is still without electricity

Kupwara, Oct 4: In the heart of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district lies Moori Kalaroose, a village that seems frozen in time.

Just 15 kilometres from Kupwara town, the village of 200 households remains disconnected from electricity, clean water, and proper roads—a glaring reminder of the uneven pace of progress in the region.

Despite assurances from successive governments, Moori Kalaroose continues to rely on traditional means to meet basic needs, mirroring the lives of its forefathers. Where neighbouring villages shine under electric lights, Moori remains shrouded in darkness after sunset.

“We still use conventional lamps to light our homes after dusk,” said Ghulam Hassan, a resident. “It’s hard to see other villages lit up while we remain in the dark. It feels like we are living in ancient times.”

Shahid Ul Islam, a local social activist, said the village highlights the stark disparity in development. “Despite global modernisation, some remote areas continue to face fundamental challenges. Lack of electricity, water, and road connectivity reflects the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to improve living conditions,” he said.

Residents recount daily hardships: with no motorable road, they must disembark at Nagsari and continue on foot to reach their homes. Ration, medical aid, and other essentials require the villagers to carry goods and sometimes even patients over difficult terrain before accessing public transport.

“Even though water is being supplied under the JJM scheme, the lack of roads and infrastructure makes life extremely difficult,” locals said.

The residents expressed frustration at being overlooked despite government promises. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured electricity, water, and road connectivity for every village, yet Moori seems left to fate. We do not know when these hardships will end,” a resident said.

Acknowledging the plight, MLA Kupwara Mir Fayaz said the delay reflects failures of previous administrations. “After taking the oath as MLA, I immediately met officials from KPDCL and PMGSY to address electricity and road issues. Recently, tenders have been floated, and I am hopeful that work will begin soon,” he told Greater Kashmir.

For the people of Moori Kalaroose, the wait continues. But with official attention finally turning toward the village, there is cautious optimism that the lights may someday shine on this forgotten corner of Kupwara.