MLASPEAK: Empowering youth & women through skill dev top priority: MLA Bandipora

MLA Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat, on Friday presented a detailed plan aimed at improving infrastructure, conserving natural resources, and empowering youth and women in the district. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Bhat highlighted key priorities such as better connectivity, optimal resource utilization, and development in critical sectors like health, education, and rural livelihoods.
Bhat emphasized the need for upgraded road infrastructure, proposing the conversion of the Srinagar-Bandipora-Gurez road into a highway and the construction of a bypass to alleviate traffic congestion in the town.
“Road connections are the backbone of progress. We also need two vital bridges at Garoora and Sumbal to remove existing roadblocks and ensure smooth transportation,” he said.
He called for widening roads, cutting through mountains where necessary, and enhancing connectivity to remote areas. According to Bhat, improved road access would not only boost tourism but also drive economic activities across Bandipora.
Bhat criticized the lack of tangible benefits for Bandipora from NHPC projects, despite the district’s significant contribution of water resources.
“Bandipora doesn’t get its rightful share of revenue, power supply, or development funds from NHPC. This needs to change immediately,” he said.
He pointed out that projects like the NHPC-funded hospital in Pazalpora remain non-operational. Bhat urged NHPC to ensure its initiatives align with the district’s development needs, particularly in infrastructure and healthcare.
On environmental issues, Bhat raised concerns about dwindling forests due to over-extraction and mismanagement.
“Our forests are being depleted, affecting the environment, water resources, and livelihoods,” he noted.
He proposed turning Kudara into a wildlife sanctuary to protect biodiversity and boost eco-tourism. Additionally, Bhat called for sustainable timber extraction policies and compensation for locals, ensuring environmental preservation while meeting resource needs.
Bhat highlighted the dire state of healthcare in Bandipora, citing the lack of specialists, cardiologists, essential staff, and equipment at the district hospital.
“Without proper facilities and 24/7 services, critical patients suffer,” he said.
In education, Bhat advocated for improved facilities such as libraries, sports fields, and a women’s college.
“Quality education depends on infrastructure and skilled staff. We also need uniformity in government schools to ensure equality in education,” he added.
Bhat underscored the importance of youth and women empowerment through skill development and self-help groups.
“Job creation is important, and we can achieve this by utilizing our natural resources effectively. Traditional crafts like Kangri-making and handlooms need support and better marketing,” he said.
He called for incentives and training to promote entrepreneurship, emphasizing the potential for natural resources to drive economic opportunities.
Bhat expressed concern over unplanned construction encroaching on agricultural and horticultural land.
“We must save productive land and improve coordination between agriculture and horticulture departments. Random use of land for private purposes is hurting our economy,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of effective rural and tribal development, Bhat called for better execution of schemes and rationalization of funds and staff.
“Panchayats need to be empowered with better management and planning,” he stated.
“Whether it’s connectivity, healthcare, education, or resource management, we must work collectively to ensure sustainable progress. Bandipora has immense potential, and my focus is to bring tangible results for our people,” Bhat concluded.