Bashir Ahmad Dar @Kongposh
Tragedy struck the heart of Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar on Tuesday, as a boat capsized in the Jhelum river, resulting in the loss of at least six lives. Details suggest that the unfortunate boat, carrying 19 passengers, including students from local schools, overturned in the Gandbal vicinity. Presently, the recovery effort has located six bodies, while three individuals remain unaccounted for, prompting an intense search operation led by the State Disaster Response Force. Officials confirm the demise of six individuals, with six others successfully rescued. Among the rescued, three are receiving medical care and are in a stable condition, while the remaining three have been discharged to their homes.
Witnesses recount that the boat, travelling from Gandbal to Batwara, capsized following a collision with an incomplete bridge pillar—a construction project that has lingered unfinished for over a decade. This heart wrenching incident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar, attributed to a collision with an incomplete bridge, has once again raised pertinent questions regarding the government’s priorities and allocation of resources in the region.
The stark dichotomy is hard to ignore: a bridge languishing in construction for over a decade, posing a hazard to local residents, while ambitious smart city projects are completed swiftly.The juxtaposition is jarring: why does the completion of a smart city project take precedence over fulfilling the basic needs and safety requirements of the natives of Jammu and Kashmir? The prolonged neglect of critical infrastructure vital for the daily lives and safety of residents raises concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing local needs and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.While showcasing smart city initiatives can be beneficial for urban development and attracting investments, it should not come at the expense of neglecting essential infrastructure projects crucial for the safety and livelihoods of the local population.
The disparity in attention and resources allocated to different projects underscores the pressing need for a more balanced approach that prioritises the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is imperative for the authorities to reevaluate their focus and channel efforts towards addressing the immediate concerns and requirements of the region’s residents to prevent such tragic incidents from recurring.