Dardpora residents rue lack of basic amenities

Amin Masoodi

Dardpora, Kupwara, Dec 17

Residents of Dardpora village in the frontier Kupwara district are facing hardships due to the lack of basic amenities like potable water, power and metallic road.

The village, around 27 km from Kupwara headquarters and close to the LoC, bore the brunt of counter-insurgency operations in the early 90s, leaving behind around 300 widows and more than 500 orphans to fend for themselves. To add to their woes, the village has been ignored by the authorities as well.

“Worst-hit by violence, ironically this village has been a victim of the official apathy as well. We are made to suffer for want of water supply, power, road and healthcare facilities,” said Rayees Ahmad, a local resident.

The womenfolk have to walk miles to fetch water from an open nullah. “The village is completely devoid of water supply. We get water from an open nullah and whenever it rains, we have no other option but to consume contaminated water,” said Reshma Begum, a local resident. The village also lacks healthcare facilities. “Even for first-aid treatment, we are forced to visit Kralpora hospital, around 10 km from the village. The road leading to this village has become non-motorable,” Rafiq Ahmad Khan, a local resident, said.