Sarbal village in Ganderbal craves basic amenities

Tucked deep in the upper reaches of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, Sarbal village—around 60 kilometres from the district headquarters—continues to struggle for basic facilities. Despite its breathtaking natural beauty, the last inhabited village of Ganderbal is beset with neglect and deprivation, making daily life arduous for its residents.

Locals said they depend largely on seasonal work during the Amarnath Yatra, but the lack of infrastructure has made survival tough. A healthcare centre, whose foundation stone was laid nearly a decade ago, remains incomplete, forcing residents to travel all the way to Sonamarg for medical treatment.

“We have been waiting for years for a proper healthcare facility. But nothing has been done,” said Ghulam Muhammad Sheikh, a local resident. He added that the village also suffers from an irregular water supply and the absence of a functioning ration depot.

Villagers said they have to walk nearly four kilometres to Nilgrat to procure essentials. “Every day is a struggle for us. The government has forgotten us,” Sheikh said. Though a ration depot was sanctioned five years ago, residents said it never became operational. “It stands empty—a reminder of unfulfilled promises,” another villager added.

The residents of Sarbal have urged the administration to address their grievances and ensure access to basic amenities like healthcare, drinking water, and food supply.