The Jhelum Valley region of Azad Kashmir, often referred to as the gateway to Srinagar, is facing a multitude of challenges that require urgent attention.
The region is plagued by a poor education system, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and insufficient transportation means such as roads and bridges.
The lack of concern shown by government authorities towards these issues has led to the loss of human and animal lives during the rainy season.
Additionally, the mismanagement of public welfare funds by political leaders and local government authorities, especially the Local Government Department, has only worsened the situation.
In this article, we will discuss each of these issues in detail and suggest potential solutions.
Education:
The education system in the Jhelum Valley region is in a deplorable state. Most schools lack proper buildings and basic facilities such as desks, chairs, and proper sanitation, making it difficult for students to receive a quality education.
The teachers in these schools are Ad hoc and overworked, resulting in a poor quality of education being imparted to the students. As a result, many students drop out of school, and those who complete their education face difficulties finding employment due to the low quality of education provided. To address this issue, the government needs to invest in education infrastructure and increase the salaries of teachers to attract competent educators.
Additionally, teacher training programs should be organized in collaboration with foreign education policy experts to improve the quality of education.
Health:
The healthcare infrastructure in the region is inadequate, with only a few basic health units unable to cater to the needs of the local population.
The shortage of doctors and nurses means that people have to travel long distances to access healthcare facilities such as Islamabad, Abbottabad, and Muzaffarabad. This can be a significant burden, especially for those who are sick or injured and cannot travel easily.
A number of patients, especially pregnant women and heart patients, have lost their lives due to the lack of accessible healthcare facilities in far-flung areas of the Jhelum Valley. This highlights the critical importance of accessible healthcare, particularly for those living in rural areas.
To address this issue, the government needs to invest in healthcare infrastructure, including building new hospitals and clinics, recruiting more healthcare professionals, and providing better training for healthcare workers.
Transportation:
The means of transportation in the region, including roads and bridges, are in poor condition, making it challenging for people to travel to other parts of the region or nearby cities.
During the rainy season, the situation worsens as rivers and streams swell, causing loss of life and property. Recently, the tragic drowning of a mother and daughter in a swelling stream in KhaLana Valley has shocked the entire community.
This accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by natural disasters and the urgent need for disaster preparedness. However, it is argued that the primary responsibility for this tragedy lies with the political representatives of the KhaLana Valley who, through their negligence and inaction, failed to take the necessary steps to prevent this disaster.
The tragic drowning of a student from High School Sana Daman in a swollen stream of Sum Grang during the previous monsoon season is another example of the devastating consequences of political negligence. The lack of infrastructure, particularly the absence of a bridge over the dangerous stream, reflects a larger pattern of neglect and irresponsibility that endangers the lives and well-being of the community.
To address this issue, the government needs to invest in the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, particularly those that provide access to schools, hospitals, and markets. Additionally, the government can explore the use of alternative means of transportation, such as boats, to mitigate the impact of swollen rivers and streams during the rainy season.
The installation of a disaster management system is also imperative for the region. The absence of a disaster management system in far-flung areas of Azad Kashmir leaves residents vulnerable in times of crisis. It is crucial to prioritize the installation of a comprehensive disaster management system and provide training for community members on evacuation procedures, emergency medical response, and communication protocols.
A local committee of volunteers could collaborate with government agencies and non-governmental organizations to acquire necessary equipment and resources, as well as organize regular disaster drills to ensure that the community is well-prepared in the event of an emergency.
By taking these steps, we can create a responsive and effective disaster management system capable of protecting our community in the face of any emergency.
Mismanagement:
The mismanagement of public welfare funds by political leaders and incumbent authorities, particularly those in the Local Government Department, is a major concern in the region.
The funds allocated for public welfare projects are often misused, and there is little transparency in how these funds are spent. To address this issue, the government needs to increase accountability and transparency in public welfare projects.
Establishing an independent body to monitor the use of public funds, publishing regular reports on fund allocation and utilization, and prosecuting those found guilty of misusing public funds are essential steps in promoting transparency and ensuring the funds are utilized for their intended purposes.
Suggestions:
In conclusion, the issues faced by the people of the Jhelum Valley, especially in far-flung areas such as KhaLana Valley, Sana Daman, Sorban, Chakothi, and Leepa Valley, demand immediate attention from the government, non-governmental organizations, and other concerned authorities.
It is crucial for the government to invest in education infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and transportation means, particularly during the rainy season.
Additionally, promoting transparency and accountability in the use of public funds is necessary to address the issue of mismanagement.
The people of the region have suffered for too long, and it is time for the government to take decisive action to improve their lives and ensure a brighter future for the Jhelum Valley.