Highlight Neglect of Sunetar–Dhanwalt and Dhanu–Rang Roads; Submit Memorandum to Authorities
Diplomat Correspondent
Udhampur,DD, Residents of Block Parli Dhar in Ramnagar Tehsil held a peaceful protest demonstration on Tuesday in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Udhampur, demanding immediate repair of long-neglected roads connecting their villages.
Led by social activist Munna Verma and former Sarpanch of Panchayat Dhanwalt Balwan Singh, the protestors came from Panchayats Dhanwalt and Balhand, united by years of frustration over the dilapidated condition of local roads.
The residents specifically sought repair and blacktopping of the Sunetar Khas–Dhanu Dhanwalt Road (10 km), which falls under the PMGSY, and the Dhanu–Rang Road (12 km) under the PWD Department. Both routes, they said, have become nearly impassable, especially during the rainy season.
“The road conditions are extremely poor and pose serious risks to daily commuters, including schoolchildren, the elderly, and pilgrims visiting the Chountra Mata shrine,” said Munna Verma.
He further alleged that about two years ago, blacktopping work was started on the Sunetar–Dhanu road, but was later dismantled by the department after it was found that the work was carried out without proper authorization on private land. Since then, no restoration has taken place.
Following the demonstration, a delegation of residents, social activists, and Panchayat members met a senior official in the district administration and submitted a formal memorandum of demands.
The memorandum emphasised:
Immediate repair and restoration of Sunetar Khas–Dhanu Dhanwalt road
Construction of the Dhanu–Rang road under the PWD or NABARD scheme
Sanctioning of temporary repair funds, particularly to fill dangerous potholes and improve safety
The protestors lamented that for over six decades, the region’s roads have faced administrative apathy, leaving villagers to trek long distances on foot. They stressed that the lack of basic road infrastructure has hampered development, emergency access, and pilgrimage routes in the area.
“Even in 2025, we are forced to walk for miles due to broken roads and political neglect,” said Balwan Singh. “We request the administration to wake up to our reality.”
The residents have urged the administration to respond swiftly, warning that continued inaction would only deepen the disconnect between the people and governance in remote areas like Parli Dhar(DD)
