Snowbound road leaves Pushwari residents isolated in Kupwara

Kupwara, Jan 29: Residents of Pushwari village in the Machil sector of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district have expressed strong resentment over the continued closure of their access road due to heavy snowfall, saying the prolonged blockade has left the area virtually cut off from the rest of the district.

Locals said the road has remained uncleared for days, causing severe hardships and restricting movement in and out of the village. The situation has particularly affected students and patients, with residents alleging official apathy despite repeated appeals.

“Because of the blocked road, we are barely able to step out of our homes. Our children are suffering the most as they cannot attend classes at a private coaching centre located about two kilometres away,” said Shabir Ahmad, a resident.

He added that access to healthcare and essential supplies has become increasingly difficult, forcing residents to depend on limited local resources. “We have approached the authorities several times, but no action has been taken so far. It feels like we have been forgotten,” he said.

The residents have urged the District Administration Kupwara, the PMGSY department and the MLA from Lolab constituency to intervene urgently and deploy men and machinery to clear the road and restore connectivity.

Responding to the concerns, MLA Lolab Qaiser Jamsheed Lone told Greater Kashmir that he has taken up the matter with the concerned departments. “The issue has been flagged, and efforts are being made to ensure the road is cleared at the earliest,” he said.