The winter is slowly coming to an end thus reviving the hope of Spring, the season that is full of life and activity. The winter has been and continues to remain tough for the people of the Valley. The weather took its toll as the snowfall in the first week of November last year played havoc with Kashmir’s fruit industry. The fruit growers suffered losses of billions of rupees. Though there are reports suggesting that the UT administration has started compensating, some percentage, of the losses, the execution is where the administration has habitually been bit lethargic and has to gear up for the process. Then the worst power scenario too troubled the people here and constant closure of Srinagar-Jammu Highway, the only fair weather roads that connect the Valley with rest of the country, resulted into shortage of essentials thus resulting into sky rocketing of the prices of essentials. Due to internet closure and uncertain situation, the businesses of all kinds took a hit and sectors affiliated with tourism industry suffered huge losses.
Now that the very thought of arriving Spring gives some hope to the people, the UT administration need to move beyond promise making and start delivering on the ground. The process of development has remained halted for several months and it needs to be given a push. For instance, Jahangir Chowk-Rambagh flyover has already been thrown open for traffic, the roads beneath the overhead bridge are in pathetic condition and nothing has been done to repair these roads till date. Similarly roads all over the Valley are in dilapidated conditions. This is a serious issue because smooth and comfortable surface communication is not only necessary for commuters, medical emergencies and students, it is very vital for the businesses thus for economy. Health sector too needs special attention so does the power sector. On one hand the authorities are keen to invite investors to the Valley and on the other hand if they fail to supply electricity 24×7, how would big businesses be comfortable investing here. The UT administration need to gear up, prioritize the development and start working efficiently and in a transparent manner.
