Ramban, Aug 29:Congress leader Fairoz Khan today held a press conference at Ramban, highlighting the worsening condition of roads and the plight of people affected by natural calamities in the district.
Khan expressed serious concern that the Maitra–Karol Road (Old Alignment), particularly the stretch near Bathi, remains completely blocked. He reminded that the road was damaged during the Bharat Jodo Yatra on 25 January 2023, when the administration had assured immediate repairs, but “nothing has been done till date.”
He added that the old alignment Maitra–Karol Road, also used by the NHAI, continues to be neglected, while the Jula Bridge area has become dangerous as the retaining wall has collapsed into the river due to heavy rains. The use of poor-quality repair material has further worsened the situation.
Khan also pointed out that the condition of link roads—including Gandhri Road, Pogal Salgad Road, and Rajgarh Road—is equally alarming, cutting off villages and affecting daily life.
In addition to road issues, Khan raised the plight of families affected by flash floods, Pernote land subsidence, and recent heavy rains, who are still waiting for justice and adequate compensation. “It is unacceptable that people of Ramban continue to suffer without proper rehabilitation or relief,” he said.
He further emphasized that the old alignment Maitra–Karol Road is a lifeline, as it connects lakhs of people from Tatrsool, Maitra, Kanga, Bathi, Tanger, Sangaldan, Gool, and also provides a vital link to Reasi and Udhampur. In case of landslides on the National Highway, this old alignment is used as an alternate route, making its proper upkeep critical.
Khan appealed to the government and concerned agencies to take immediate and effective measures to restore roads, provide fair compensation to affected families, and ensure long-term preventive steps against such disasters.
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