By BASHARAT RASHID
Tral : Locals in Syedabad area of Tral in Pulwama have expressed resentment against R&B department for failing to restart work on “Syedabad-Wahabsoub” strech, which was initiated three years back.
Official sources told INS that, the six to eight kilometer stretch with an estimated cost of around 16 crore rupees, was supposed to connect the Syedabad Pastuna area of Tral to Wahab Sahab Shaar of Pampore tehsil of Pulwama.
The road according to locals, will be the shortcut way for the people of Tral towards Pampore, besides it may also reduce the travelling time from Tral to Srinagar as well.
The locals said that foundation stone to the project was laid by the Member of Legislative Assembly for Tral Mushtaq Ahmad Shah, around three years ago in 2015, in presence of R&B officials.
They said that, during the first phase work on strech was started and accordingly one kilometer was patched besides metalling was also done to that portion.
They added that soon after that, work was suspended back, which is yet to be restarted even after the passing of three years now.
“We were happy after foundation stone of Pastuna-Khrew strech was initiated in 2015. But unfortunately, after the completion of 1 km, it was suspended and is yet to be restarted,” a local Abdul Ahad Rather told INS, adding that authorities should restart the work to “bring smile” on their faces back.
The locals urged authorities to look into the matter as early as possible so that work on road, may restart back soon.
Concerned Engineer, “Pastuna-Wahabsoub” strech, Ishtiyaq Ahmad Zargar, when contacted, told INS that, one kilometre work on strech was done, with the funds, given by MLA Tral, who inaugurated foundation stone that time.
He further said that, when department tried to start work for next kilometer, forest department didn’t allow them to go for it, because of ‘forest clearance’ in the area.
“NOC to clear forest area was not given by forest department, due to which higher ups issued a notice to us to stop work. That’s is the main reason, work is not restarted back” Zargar said.