Srinagar, Jul 16: Peoples Conference president and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone on Thursday accused the Jammu and Kashmir Government of jeopardising Kashmir’s limited working season by failing to revise contractor rates, warning that the deadlock has brought road macadamisation and other key development works to a halt.
In a statement, Lone said contractors have been demanding a revision of rates to offset rising input costs, but the Government’s refusal to address the issue has stalled the execution of infrastructure projects across the Valley.
He urged the administration to resolve the dispute immediately, saying further delays could result in the loss of the already short construction season in Kashmir.
Lone noted that Kashmir has only a limited window each year for executing development works, particularly road construction and macadamisation, and that rising global prices have further complicated the situation.
Referring to the ongoing Iran-US conflict, he said disruptions in global supply chains, especially those linked to petroleum products, have increased the cost of materials required for road construction.
Despite funds being allocated under various Roads and Buildings (R&B) and other development schemes, Lone said work has yet to begin even though the construction season is well underway.
He attributed the delay to the standoff between contractors seeking revised rates and the Government’s unwillingness to approve them, resulting in a complete halt to road macadamisation and related development projects.
Criticising the Government’s approach, Lone said budgetary allocations and official statistics cannot substitute for visible progress on the ground.
“The Government should not hide behind budgetary allocations and statistics to mask the failure to deliver tangible outcomes,” he said.
Lone appealed to the Government to resolve the rate revision issue without further delay and ensure that development works begin immediately, warning that continued inaction could push critical infrastructure projects into the next year.
