JAMMU: Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, has issued urgent directives for the immediate restoration of the National Highway between Bali Nalla and Thard in Udhampur, which was damaged by a major landslide on September 2.
The landslide has brought vehicular movement to a standstill, severely affecting the supply of essential commodities and emergency services to the districts of Udhampur, Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, and Kashmir.
Sunil Sharma visited the site to assess the situation, accompanied by local MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia, senior civil and police officials, and representatives from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). He held detailed discussions with authorities after reviewing the damage.
“The disruption of this vital road link has put the people of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, and Kashmir in distress. This is an emergency, and we cannot afford delays,” Sharma said, urging a “war-footing” approach to restore connectivity. He directed NHAI and district administration officials to deploy all available resources to expedite repairs and implement temporary measures to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles and essential supplies.
Sharma also interacted with local residents, expressing concern for those facing extreme hardships. “Restoration of the road is not just about connectivity; it is about saving lives,” he said, emphasizing the administration’s responsibility to ensure immediate relief reaches affected communities.
He assured the public that he will continue monitoring the situation and push for swift action at all administrative and political levels to alleviate the suffering of those affected.
