Anantnag’s Old Town Areas Await Development, People Seek Accountability
Anantnag, Aug 24, KNT: Several old and densely populated areas of South Kashmir’s Anantnag town have remained short of meaningful development for years, with residents alleging that basic civic infrastructure in parts of the old town has received little sustained attention despite the constituency having elected multiple legislators, including leaders who later served as Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir.
Residents of Kadipora, Mattan Chowk, Lal Chowk and Malaknag said several internal roads and lanes in these areas were last properly repaired around 2005 and have since seen limited substantial improvement.
They said deteriorating roads, inadequate drainage and other civic deficiencies continue to affect daily life in the old neighbourhoods, where population density has increased over the years.
Residents alleged that political representatives regularly visit these areas during election campaigns, but many of the long-standing infrastructure concerns receive limited attention once the elections are over.
Some people have also questioned the priorities of the current MLA, alleging that developmental works are being concentrated in areas perceived to have greater political or personal significance, while several older neighbourhoods continue to await basic improvements.
Locals said the issue was not merely about individual roads or lanes but about the absence of a sustained development plan for the older parts of Anantnag town.
They said a town that has produced several prominent political leaders, including former Chief Ministers, should not continue to have neighbourhoods struggling with basic civic infrastructure.
Residents have demanded greater accountability in the allocation and execution of development works, equitable distribution of funds and a comprehensive plan to address the infrastructure requirements of the old town areas.
They also urged the administration and elected representatives to carry out on-ground assessments of the affected localities and prioritize works according to public need rather than political considerations. [KNT]
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