Anantnag, often referred to as the “mother of all four districts” of South Kashmir, stands as a glaring testament to administrative neglect and mismanagement. With one Member of Parliament, seven MLAs, and 14 District Development Council (DDC) members, the district boasts one of the most extensive representations in the region. Yet, its ground realities paint a picture of despair and deprivation.
Despite its historical and political significance, Anantnag has been left to languish without the infrastructure and development it rightfully deserves. The state of the Deputy Commissioner’s office is emblematic of the neglect—dilapidated, unorganized, and far from what should represent the administrative nerve center of the district.
The district’s road network is equally dismal. Potholed and desperate for maintenance, these roads are more a hazard than a means of connectivity. Adding to the misery is the erratic power supply. Despite being part of a region that contributes significantly to hydropower generation, Anantnag’s residents are forced to endure prolonged outages, especially during winters. The irony is glaring, and the frustration is palpable.
Anantnag town itself is a chaotic mess, plagued by poor traffic management. Frequent traffic jams and unregulated street vendors have turned the town’s streets into a free-for-all. The absence of a coherent traffic plan is glaring, and the situation is made worse by the complete lack of traffic police on the ground. Transport officers, it seems, are more focused on collecting money than addressing the growing crisis. The daily chaos and frustration make it appear as though Anantnag is not governed at all, with its representatives and officials seemingly detached from the reality on the ground.
The Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), who should be at the forefront of addressing these challenges, appear to be enjoying their time in cozy offices, far removed from the plight of the common people. Their inaction speaks volumes about the lack of accountability and governance in the district.
What makes this neglect even more disheartening is the glaring absence of big infrastructure projects. The district, with its potential to serve as the hub for education, healthcare, and commerce, has been reduced to a shadow of its former glory. No major industries, no advanced medical facilities, no modern educational institutions—Anantnag continues to be ignored in successive developmental plans.
The plight of Anantnag is a stark reminder of the disconnect between promises made during election campaigns and the reality on the ground. The district, which has contributed immensely to South Kashmir’s cultural and political identity, deserves better. It’s high time for the government and the elected representatives to wake up from their slumber and give Anantnag its due.
The residents of Anantnag have waited long enough. They don’t need more hollow assurances or token gestures; they need tangible action. The state of Anantnag is not just a failure of governance—it’s a betrayal of its people. Without immediate and comprehensive steps, the district risks sinking further into a quagmire of chaos and neglect.
