When Will the Sufferings of Neelum Valley Trapped in Snow End?

When Will the Sufferings of Neelum Valley Trapped in Snow End?

Written by: Shah Nawaz Ali Sher Advocate Secretary General, Bar Association Nakyal, Member Joint Public Action Committee Nakyal Kotli 03418848984 snsher02@gmail.com Neelum Valley, rich in natural beauty, becomes a new form of torment every year during the snowfall season. The snow, which blankets the land of Neelum annually, turns into a natural trial for the people. Snowfall is a part of nature, encountered worldwide, but the question remains: what responsibility do governments have in protecting their people from such natural disasters? In developed countries, advanced technology and resources are used to manage natural conditions like snowfall. These countries ensure road clearance, quick repairs, and a robust network of medical facilities to safeguard the public. Although snowfall in these countries is far more intense, their government agencies take immediate actions to mitigate its effects, ensuring no hardships for the people. For instance, in developed nations like Finland and Sweden, snowfall is a common occurrence. Every year, they experience severe snowfalls, but their government agencies and local administrations have turned this natural disaster into a manageable situation. Modern machinery is employed for snow removal, roads are cleared immediately, and the supply of essential goods and medical assistance is ensured. Snowfall is not seen as a challenge but a regular part of the season because these nations have a complete strategy and resources to cope with it. However, the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has not taken effective measures to address this issue, leaving the people of Neelum to suffer through the harshness of snow every year. During the snowfall in Neelum, roads get blocked, medical facilities disappear, and rescue operations are extremely slow. The worst impact is felt by those who are in medical distress and unable to reach care due to the blocked roads. Recently, a tragic incident occurred when a woman from Upper Grees, daughter of Ghulam Ali, died while suffering on the snow-covered road. Following her, Nasira, daughter of Mohammad Ali, aged 21 and seven months pregnant, also passed away due to the lack of medical facilities during the snowfall. These two women lost their lives because the roads were blocked and there was no immediate medical assistance available. Their deaths were not just caused by natural disasters, but also by government negligence. These incidents clearly highlight that there is no serious strategy from the government to protect the lives of the people during snowfall. Poor planning in road clearing and medical assistance has put lives at risk. Problems like road blockages, a lack of rescue machinery, and the closure of mobile services have made life unbearable for the public. This is the time when government agencies must realize their responsibilities and take immediate steps to resolve the people's issues. If roads are blocked and medical services are not provided during snowfall, it not only points to natural disasters but also to government incompetence. In other developed countries, where snowfall is handled with modern technology and swift actions, authorities prioritize road clearance and have emergency plans in place to provide immediate aid to the public. But here in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, no effective strategy has been adopted in this regard. In areas like Neelum, where natural beauty exists, the public needs the best facilities to deal with the severity of snowfall in winters, which have yet to be provided. Due to the government's lack of interest and poor strategy, the people of Neelum are still forced to live a life from the stone age. In these areas of Neelum, the government must immediately take rescue measures while capitalizing on the natural beauty of tourism. The use of modern machinery for road clearance in winters, immediate medical assistance, and the preparation of emergency plans for relief efforts are essential. If this situation continues, the sufferings of the people in Neelum will never be alleviated. This is a demand from the people of a small area to address their sufferings and provide them with basic facilities for living. Let the beauty of Neelum not turn into a disaster. We urge the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to form a special committee for the people of Neelum Valley, which will immediately review their difficulties and take practical steps for their resolution. The purpose of this committee should be to propose necessary measures for public welfare and ensure their implementation. This is the time when the government must realize its duties and alleviate the public's sufferings, so that the people of Neelum can live a peaceful life, just like those in developed countries. Neelum Valley holds a glimpse of heaven in its natural beauty, but due to government neglect and incompetence, its people are trapped in hardships. In Neelum, people die in traffic accidents, natural disasters, or under the snow—deaths that are rarer than from natural causes. In Kashmir's other regions, though, where snowfall occurs, governments have managed snow-related issues significantly better by adopting strategies, resources, and meeting the public's needs. (End)