Breaking Barriers: A call to action for development in Jhelum Valley Kashmir

The Jhelum valley region of Azad Kashmir, often referred to as the gateway to Srinagar, is facing a multitude of challenges that require urgent attention. The region is plagued by a poor system of education, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and insufficient means of transportation such as roads and bridges. The lack of concern shown by the government authorities towards these issues has led to the loss of lives, both human and animal, during the rainy season. Additionally, the mismanagement of public welfare funds by political leaders and incumbent authorities especially the Local Government Department has only worsened the situation. In this Subject, we will discuss each of these issues in detail and suggest potential solutions.

Education:

The education system in the Jhelum Valley region is in a deplorable position. Most schools have no buildings and lack basic facilities such as desks, chairs, and proper sanitation, which makes it difficult for students to receive a quality education. The teachers in these schools are ad-hoc and overworked, which leads to a poor quality of education being imparted to the students. As a result, many students drop out of school, and those who complete their education face difficulties finding employment due to the low quality of education provided. To address this issue, the government needs to invest in education infrastructure and increase the salaries of teachers to attract competent educators. Additionally, teacher training programs should be organized with the alliance of foreign education policy experts to improve the quality of education.

Health:

The healthcare infrastructure in the region is inadequate, with only a few basic health Units that are unable to cater to the needs of the local population. The shortage of doctors and nurses means that people have to travel long distances to access healthcare facilities such as Islamabad Abbottabad and Muzafrabad. This can be a significant burden, especially for those who are sick or injured and cannot travel easily. A number of patients especially Parturition women and heart patients succumb to the way In this regard the case of Rafiq Chohan provides a brief overview of the situation “R_Chohan, a 50-year-old man from a rural area of Surban, died of a heart attack because he was unable to receive the medical attention he needed. The lack of heart health facilities in the far-flung area of Jhelum Valley (Surban) led to a delay in treatment, which ultimately cost him his life. This tragedy highlights the critical importance of accessible health care, especially for those living in rural areas” To address this issue, the government needs to invest in healthcare infrastructure, including building new hospitals and clinics, recruiting more healthcare professionals, and providing better training for healthcare workers.

Transportation:

The means of transportation in the region, including roads and bridges, are in poor condition, making it challenging for people to travel to other parts of the region or to nearby cities. During the rainy season, the situation worsens as the rivers and streams swell, causing loss of life and property. Recently The tragic drowning of a mother and daughter in a swelling stream in Khalana Valley has shocked the entire community. This accident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by natural disasters and the urgent need for disaster preparedness. However, I argue that the primary responsibility for this tragedy lies with the political representative of the Khalana Valley.

Through their negligence and inaction, the representative failed to take the necessary steps to prevent this disaster and must take responsibility for the consequences. The tragic drowning of a student from High School SanaDaman in a swollen stream of SumGrang during the previous monsoon season is a stark reminder of the importance of infrastructure and the devastating consequences of political negligence. I argue that the political leader’s hands are stained with the blood of an innocent student of SumGrang because of their failure to build a bridge over the dangerous stream. This failure reflects a larger pattern of neglect and irresponsibility that endangers the lives and well-being of the community.

The public lost their animals while crossing the swollen stream. To address this issue, the government needs to invest in the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, particularly those that provide access to schools, hospitals, and markets. Additionally, the government can explore the use of alternative means of transportation, such as boats, to mitigate the impact of swollen rivers and streams during the rainy season.

The absence of a disaster management System in our locality (far-flung area of Azad Kashmir) is a concerning issue, leaving residents vulnerable in times of crisis. It is imperative that we prioritize the installation of a disaster management system and provide training for community members on evacuation procedures, emergency medical response, and communication protocols. A local committee of volunteers could work with government agencies and non-governmental organizations to acquire necessary equipment and resources, as well as organize regular disaster drills to ensure that the community is well-prepared in the event of an emergency. By taking these steps, we can create a responsive and effective disaster management system that is capable of protecting our community in the face of any emergency.

Maladministration:       

The mismanagement of public welfare funds by political leaders and incumbent authorities of local Government is a major concern in the region. The funds allocated for public welfare projects are often misused, and there is little transparency in how these funds are spent. To address this issue, the government needs to increase accountability and transparency in public welfare projects. The government can set up an independent body to monitor the use of public funds, publish regular reports on how the funds are used, and prosecute those found guilty of misusing public funds.

Suggestions:

In conclusion, the issues faced by the people of the Jhelum Valley special with regard to far-flung areas such as Khalana Valley, SanaDaman, Surban, Chakothi, and Leepa Valley region demand immediate attention from the government Nongovernmental organizations and other concerned authorities. The government needs to invest in education infrastructure, healthcare infrastructure, and means of transportation, particularly during the rainy season. Additionally, the government needs to increase transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. The people of the region have suffered for too long, and it is time for the government to take action to improve their lives.