Kulgam,January 5, 2026: Advocate Zaman Irshad Parray on Monday issued a strong appeal to the district administration and concerned departments to urgently address the deteriorating condition of roads in Bongam and adjoining areas of Kulgam district, warning that continued neglect could lead to serious accidents, especially with winter setting in.
Highlighting the poor condition of the vital shortcut road connecting Bongam to the main Kulgam market via Lumm, Advocate Irshad said the route has been reduced to a dangerously uneven stretch, virtually resembling a trekking path rather than a motorable road. The road, which is widely used by locals, students, traders, and daily commuters, has suffered extensive structural damage, making travel risky and potentially fatal once snowfall begins.
“This shortcut is essential for daily movement, but its current condition has turned it into a hazard zone,” Advocate Irshad said. “Despite repeatedly bringing the matter to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, and the Executive Officer of Kulgam Municipality over the past year, no concrete action has been taken. The response has largely been limited to assurances without implementation.”
He further pointed out that the issue is not confined to the Bongam-Lumm route alone. Several other areas, including Chambgund, Chattabal Bypass, and various village link roads, are facing similar neglect. Residents have long complained about inadequate drainage, lack of proper macadamization, and substandard patchwork repairs that fail to withstand seasonal weather changes.
According to Advocate Irshad, multiple petitions and representations submitted during 2025 regarding the Bongam-Market link road and other internal roads have gone unanswered. The situation worsens during the monsoon and is now expected to deteriorate further as winter approaches. With snowfall anticipated soon, these damaged roads may become impassable, potentially isolating communities and posing serious risks during medical or other emergencies, particularly for elderly residents and schoolchildren.
“As winter approaches, continued inaction could lead to avoidable tragedies,” he warned. “Snow and ice will turn these already damaged roads into life-threatening routes. We demand immediate ground surveys, proper repairs, and macadamization under schemes such as PMGSY to ensure public safety.”
Advocate Zaman Irshad also urged the public to raise their voices collectively and appealed to media organizations to highlight the issue. He stated that if no prompt action is taken within the next week, he would escalate the matter to higher authorities, including the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.
