Lone Sulaiman
Bandipora, 19 Nov 2024: Tangtheri, a hamlet of 22 houses nestled within the Athwatoo area of Bandipora district, remains deprived of basic amenities like road and electricity, even in 2024. Despite government claims of development and annual funds allocated for rural upliftment, the villagers are yet to see a proper road under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
In 2016, electricity poles were installed in the village, raising hopes for a brighter future. However, eight years later, electricity is still a distant dream for the residents. “Our children are forced to study in the dim light of kerosene lamps. Is this what development looks like?” question raised by Noordin, a local villager.
Education a Distant Dream
The lack of infrastructure has made accessing education an ordeal for Tangtheri’s children. The village has only a primary school, and for middle school, students have to walk 2 kilometers through a dense forest—a journey fraught with the risk of encountering wild animals. For many parents, this risk is too great. “Should we work as daily laborers to feed our families, or should we accompany our children to school?” Said local mother.
Healthcare and Anganwadi: Missing in Action
The situation is equally dire when it comes to healthcare. The absence of medical facilities means villagers are left to rely on home remedies, often leading to tragic outcomes. Some children born handicapped. Newborns and young children are particularly vulnerable. “Several children, including my son Manzoor, were born at home because there was no medical assistance. We cannot afford to walk for hours to reach a hospital,” shares Aslam, another Tangtheri resident.
Adding to their plight is the lack of an Anganwadi center, depriving children and pregnant women of nutritional and educational support.
Forgotten Promises, Unfulfilled Hopes
The villagers accuse the authorities of neglect and broken promises. “During elections, leaders come with grand promises, but once they secure our votes, they disappear,” says a frustrated villager.
When contacted about the issues faced by Tangtheri, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora assured swift action. “I will personally visit the village next week to assess their difficulties and will make every effort to address their problems at the earliest,” the DC stated.
Tangtheri’s struggle highlights the glaring disparities in rural development. For its residents, the question remains: Does being poor mean forfeiting the right to a dignified life?
It is now up to the administration to honor their commitments and ensure that Tangtheri’s long-standing problems are addressed without further delay.
