Satpokhran, August 4, 2024 – 6:30 PM: Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, the National Media Coordinator of All India Gujjar and Bakerwal and a renowned social and political activist, visited Satpokhran today and was met with a distressing sight. He was deeply shocked upon learning about a recent incident involving the eight-year unfinished bridge that connects Nagander, Satpokhran Zaintrage, Bathen, Ismail Colony Satpokhran, Gujjar Basti Badwalo, and Gujjar Basti Bajnadi to Khrew, Tehsil Pampore, District Pulwama.
At approximately 11:20 AM, a pregnant woman from Zaintrage was forced to walk over a kilometer due to the incomplete state of the bridge. This harrowing incident highlighted the severe inconvenience and danger faced by the residents of the area, who have been waiting for the bridge’s completion for eight long years. Dr. Bhat expressed his dismay, stating, “We live in the 21st century, yet we are still dealing with such issues. It is unfortunate and shameful for the concerned departments and contractors who have left this bridge unfinished for so long.”
In response to this pressing issue, Dr. Bhat urgently requested the Chief Engineer to address the matter and expedite the completion of the bridge. He emphasized the critical need to alleviate the suffering of the local communities who rely on this essential infrastructure.
As word of Dr. Bhat’s visit spread, dozens of concerned citizens gathered in Satpokhran to voice their grievances. Among them were local leaders, including Sarpanch Mukhtar Ahmad of Satpokhran and Sarpanch Farooq Ahmad Wani of Wuyan. They, along with other residents, detailed the hardships they face daily due to the unfinished bridge.
The local community currently relies on a temporary road provided by a benevolent landlord who owns a nearby crusher, allowing traffic to pass through his property. However, this makeshift solution is far from adequate, and the urgency for a permanent and safe bridge cannot be overstated.
Addressing a couple of media channels over the phone, Dr. Bhat made a passionate appeal for immediate action. “This matter is of top priority,” he stressed. “The unfinished bridge is not just an inconvenience; it’s a danger to the lives of the people in this area. I will take this issue to the concerned department and ensure that it is resolved at the earliest.”
Dr. Bhat’s involvement has brought renewed hope to the residents of Satpokhran and its adjacent areas. His commitment to social activism and his influential role as a political figure add significant weight to the call for action. The community looks forward to swift progress on this issue, driven by Dr. Bhat’s dedication to advocating for their needs and ensuring that the bridge, a vital lifeline for many, is finally completed.
As the situation develops, the residents of Satpokhran and the surrounding areas remain hopeful that their long-standing plight will soon come to an end, thanks to Dr. Bhat’s decisive intervention and unwavering support.
