 Early Times Report
Kathua, May 8: In the serene landscape of Sarthal, nestled within the Kathua district, a prolonged absence of electricity has cast a shadow over the scenic beauty, leaving locals grappling with the repercussions of underdevelopment.
For the past six months, residents have been enduring the inconvenience of living without power, a situation that not only affects their daily lives but also deters tourists from visiting the area.
Nazir Ahmed, of Sarthal, voiced the collective frustration of the community, stating, "From November 2023 till date, there has been no electricity… It's a beautiful place, but if some tourist comes, we resort to old techniques to illuminate our homes and guest houses."
Ahmed's sentiments reflect the harsh reality faced by locals who rely on tourism as a means of livelihood but find themselves hindered by the lack of basic amenities.
Despite reports of a significant influx of tourists to Jammu and Kashmir, the residents of Sarthal lament the absence of visitors in their region. Ahmed remarked, For the past six months, residents have been enduring the inconvenience of living without electricity.
It's a beautiful place, but if some tourist comes, we resort to old techniques to illuminate our homes and guest houses.
The dependence on tourism for sustenance underscores the urgency of addressing the infrastructure deficiencies in Sarthal.
Residents urged the Deputy Commissioner of Kathua to prioritize the restoration of electricity, improve road connectivity and provide mobile connectivity in the area.
This disparity underscores the stark contrast between the region's potential as a tourist destination and its current state of underdevelopment.
The dependence on tourism for sustenance underscores the urgency of addressing the infrastructure deficiencies in Sarthal.
Without electricity and adequate facilities, the community's economic prospects remain bleak, exacerbating their already precarious situation. Ahmed emphasized the need for intervention, urging the Deputy Commissioner of Kathua to prioritize the restoration of electricity, improve road connectivity and provide mobile connectivity in the area.
The plight of Sarthal serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by marginalized communities in remote regions, where basic necessities are often overlooked in the broader development discourse. As the residents await assistance from the authorities, their resilience and determination to overcome adversity stand as a testament to the human spirit. | 