Srinagar, jul 10: Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) president Altaf Bukhari on Friday accused the Jammu and Kashmir government of prioritising tourism at the expense of basic infrastructure, alleging that development across the Kashmir Valley had virtually come to a standstill.
“Only tourism will not fill our stomach. It is important, but it is not the only important thing,” Bukhari said at a press conference, stressing that roads, hospitals and other public infrastructure required equal attention.
Claiming that more than half of Kashmir’s six-month construction season had already passed without significant work, Bukhari alleged there was a “well-thought-out conspiracy” to stall development in the Valley.
He said roads were in poor condition and criticised the government for failing to engage with striking contractors. He also alleged that construction raw materials had been leased to outside firms, forcing local contractors to buy them at inflated prices while enjoying fewer concessions.
Bukhari said soaring bitumen prices and pending payments for works executed since 2016 had crippled local contractors, making it difficult for them to participate in fresh tenders. He further alleged that the government had diluted quality standards by removing mandatory requirements for contractors to own construction plants and machinery.
Urging the administration not to blame every governance failure on the delay in restoration of statehood, Bukhari said the government should fully utilise the powers it already possesses.
Addressing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, he said, “You are the Chief Minister. It is your responsibility to deliver.”
Bukhari also demanded a White Paper on the utilisation of development funds, claiming that ₹7,000 crore had lapsed last year. He alleged that projects moved quickly only in select areas while roads and public infrastructure in Srinagar, Baramulla, Sopore, Anantnag and Shopian remained neglected.
He urged the government to immediately resume development works, saying deteriorating roads, worsening traffic congestion and stalled infrastructure projects reflected a lack of planning and execution.
