People’s Democratic Front (PDF) president Altaf Bukhari on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Jammu and Kashmir government, accusing it of focusing excessively on tourism while neglecting essential infrastructure and development across the Kashmir Valley.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Bukhari said that although tourism is important for the region’s economy, it cannot be the government’s only priority. He stressed that better roads, hospitals, schools and other public infrastructure are equally necessary for the welfare of the people.
Bukhari alleged that more than half of Kashmir’s six-month construction season has already passed without significant development work, claiming there is a deliberate attempt to slow down infrastructure projects in the Valley.
He criticised the poor condition of roads and accused the administration of failing to resolve the issues faced by striking contractors. According to him, local contractors are struggling due to rising bitumen prices, delayed payments for works completed since 2016 and increasing costs of construction materials after leases were allegedly awarded to outside firms.
The PDF chief also claimed that the government had weakened quality standards by removing the requirement for contractors to own construction plants and machinery before participating in tenders.
Urging the administration to stop blaming governance issues on the delay in the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Bukhari said the government should make full use of the powers it already has.
Addressing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah directly, Bukhari said that delivering development and improving public services is the government’s responsibility. He also demanded the release of a White Paper on the utilisation of development funds, alleging that nearly ₹7,000 crore lapsed last year.
He further claimed that while projects are moving quickly in a few selected areas, roads and public infrastructure in Srinagar, Baramulla, Sopore, Anantnag and Shopian continue to remain neglected. Calling for immediate action, Bukhari urged the government to restart stalled development works and improve infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.(Agencies)
