The Kashmir Dialogues
Srinagar, Mar 04: Residents of Keran and Jumgund, remote villages in the Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir, continue to face severe isolation during winter months due to heavy snowfall, according to a recent government response. The Public Works (R&B) Department acknowledged the issue in response to a starred question raised by MLA Mir Saifullah.
The government confirmed that the existing road connectivity, the Pharkiyan Gali to Keran road (maintained by the Border Roads Organisation – BRO), is frequently blocked by snow, cutting off the villages from the rest of the Union Territory.
Similarly, the PMGSY road to Jumgund, though subject to snow clearance efforts, often becomes impassable during heavy snowfall.While the government admitted that there are no alternative roads currently available, raising concerns about access for essential services and administration during winter, the prospect of a tunnel – a solution proposed by MLA Saifullah – appears unlikely.In response to the query about preparing a Draft Project Report (DPR) for a tunnel in Keran, the government stated that the BRO has no plans for a tunnel on the Pharkiyan Gali to Keran road.
This revelation is likely to disappoint residents who face significant hardship during winter. The lack of a tunnel, despite the absence of alternative roads, raises questions about long-term solutions for these isolated communities.The government’s response highlights the challenges of maintaining connectivity in high-altitude regions prone to heavy snowfall. It also underscores the need for exploring alternative solutions to ensure year-round access for residents of Keran and Jumgund.
The issue is expected to remain a point of discussion in the coming days, with residents and local leaders likely to press for more concrete measures to address the perennial problem of winter isolation.
Sheikh Sameer
M S Nazki
