Former Village-heads in Nowgam Handwara Allege Unauthorised Installation of Street Solar Lights

Murtaza Mushtaq

Handwara: Former village-heads in Nowgam Handwara have alleged unauthorised installation of street solar lights in various parts of the area.

A delegation of village-heads, led by former Sarpanch Nowgam (A) Dr. Naeem-ur-Rehman Khan former Sarpanch Nowgam (A), told Alfaaz – The Words, that people from Education and Block Development Department surveyed the sites and approved for installation of street solar lights out of their sheer whims, leaving the vital spots without the facility.

“These solar lights have been sanctioned out of our funds, but not for even once were we talked to or taken into confidence as to earmark the vital spots,” the delegation said, adding that, “Instead the lights were installed in and around the houses of people who have some approach or are known to the officials.”

“Many vital spots including lanes, by-lanes and around mosques have been left out by the officials, much to the anguish of local populace and us (Sarpanches) all,” they said.

“While we tried to talk to contractors, we were told that these (solar lights) have been approved by the officials,” they said. “We fail to understand under whose directions have these lights been installed, and ironically at the places where these (lights) aren’t required at all.”

“On one side, we see a total of seventeen lights have been installed in four wards and on the other forty three in just three wards,” claimed the delegation.

Urging the authorities to look into the matter, the delegation members appealed Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, ADC Handwara and MLA Langate to intervene and fix the responsibilities on those whose are involved in the indifference meted out to the genuine beneficiaries.