Rains expose lack of infrastructure in rural areas

Dharamsala, July 7

The recent rains have exposed the poor infrastructure that still ails the rural areas of the region. Many rural areas of the district were cut off due to swelling rivulets illustrating the need for bridges. Fifteen villages on Dhaliara-Didasiba road are a symbol of neglect on the part of the government. While in summers it eludes the area and there is shortage of drinking water, in monsoons they cut off the area from the mainland.

The major rivulets that torment residents due to inability of the government to provide bridges or causeways through them include Dai Khud, Badal Thor Khud, Chinor Khud and Rori Kori Khud. These rivulets are spread across 14-km-long stretch of the Dhaliara-Didasila road.

The residents alleged that these areas were among very few areas of the state that were still haunted by nature’s forces due to inadequate infrastructure. Officials of PWD blamed poor infrastructure in the area on non-availability of funds. They alleged that they could carry out development works only in the areas for which the funds were earmarked.