A long wait: Bunjwah residents in J-K seek bridge to ease connectivity issues

ANI April 12, 2025 110 views

A remote village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district has been struggling with severe connectivity issues for over 15 years. The absence of a crucial bridge has isolated approximately 300 homes, preventing access to education, healthcare, and basic amenities. Local politicians repeatedly promise infrastructure development during elections but fail to deliver meaningful change. The community, predominantly comprising Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, continues to face significant challenges in accessing essential services.

"During elections, when they want votes, they say the bridge will be built" - Local Resident
Bunjwah, April 12: Residents of Bunjwah in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district are struggling to commute due to the absence of a bridge over a river that cuts through the region. Despite repeated demands, the bridge remains unbuilt, leaving the area isolated for the past 15 years.

Key Points

1

Bunjwah residents struggle with 15-year-old bridge connectivity issue

2

SC/ST community faces severe infrastructure challenges

3

District lacks basic medical and educational facilities

4

Politicians ignore local development needs

"A demand for this bridge has been there since our forefathers' time," a local resident told ANI. "A major chunk of the population in the area comprises Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes (SCs/STs). It is very difficult to commute. Our children have remained unschooled. There are neither any medical nor hospital facilities nearby."

The nearest hospital is 50 km away in Kishtwar, and another is in the Doda district. Locals have reported fatalities due to delayed medical attention during transportation.

Countless "MLAs and other politicians visit the place during elections". Locals say that construction of the bridge has often been promised, however, all promises remain unfulfilled.

"During elections, when they want votes, they say the bridge will be built, roads will be constructed. But after the elections are over, no one is interested," another resident said.

Bunjwah's District Development Councilor, Amna Choudhary, expressed concern and disappointment over the area's underdevelopment. According to her, around 40% of Bunjwah's residents belong to the SC/ST.

"There are many people from the minority community in this district. However, the issues they raise are often ignored. Even today, they are struggling to get access to basic necessities. There's no electricity. There are no roads. No bridge. I request that the district officials take action as soon as possible," Choudhary commented.

The proposed bridge would connect two panchayats and around 300 homes. Choudhary has also demanded benefits under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, a central government scheme aimed at developing underprivileged areas, meant to cover over 63,000 villages in India. The scheme aims to build roads, schools, and multi-purpose centres in underdeveloped areas.

However, the scheme still feels out of reach for the locals of Bunjwah.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is heartbreaking to read. 15 years without basic infrastructure? How can we call ourselves a developing nation when people still struggle like this? The government needs to act NOW.
P
Priya M.
I visited Kishtwar last year and saw similar issues in nearby villages. The terrain is challenging, but that's exactly why bridges are crucial! 🏗️ Hope the authorities listen this time.
A
Arjun S.
While I sympathize with the residents, I wonder if local leaders have done enough follow-up between elections. Sometimes projects get stuck in bureaucracy and need constant pushing.
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Sunita R.
No school access in 2024? This is unacceptable. Children's futures are being destroyed. The Dharti Aaba scheme sounds perfect for this - why hasn't it reached them yet? 😢
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Vikram J.
Maybe we need to start tagging relevant ministers on social media to get attention. Sometimes public pressure works better than official requests. #BridgeForBunjwah
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Neha T.
The article mentions 300 homes would benefit - that's hundreds of families! A bridge isn't just concrete, it's a lifeline for healthcare, education and economic opportunities.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Bunjwah Jammu and Kashmir Infrastructure Development Rural Connectivity Kishtwar District SC/ST Community
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