Bandipora’s Veven village grapples with several challenges, say locals

Bandipora, July 18: The residents of Veven village in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district have complained that they are grappling with scores of challenges in the absence of essential facilities – from education to healthcare to transportation.
Situated 20 kilometres away from the district headquarters Bandipora, the locals of the Vevan village rued the “official apathy”.
“Despite being connected through a motorable road since 2015, the village has been neglected. No repairs have been made to the road since its construction,” they said.
Talking about the issues, the locals said they are burdened by the “exorbitant charges” imposed by Sumo services plying on the dilapidated road.
“They demand an unjust fare of 130 rupees from Veven village to Bandipora town, while the bus services from Bandipora to Srinagar are only 70 rupees. This glaring disparity in transportation costs significantly impact us as we are already burdened,” they said.
The healthcare situation is alarmingly inadequate, with only one health center available for providing medical assistance to us, they said, adding, “Unfortunately, the services rendered by this facility are marred by the absence of a visiting health professional, which leaves the villagers without reliable access to crucial medical care.”
On education, the locals said the Veven village suffers due to the limited presence of teachers. “The teachers are present only three days a week, which hinders the academic progress of students,” they alleged.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Bandipora, Rafi Ahmad Salati said he will investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Bandipora, Mohd Amin Beigh, assured that he will gather details from the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) regarding the absence of teachers. He assured strict action against the guilty teachers.
Executive Engineer PMGSY acknowledged that initial earthwork had been completed on the road. However, the recent heavy rainfall triggered landslides which further damaged the condition of road, he said. He asserted that repairing the Veven road is a top priority and will be addressed promptly.