Srinagar, Nov 24: A woman in the remote Machil area of Kupwara district of Kashmir gave birth on a snow-covered road in Chontiwari Payeen after being unable to reach the hospital due to uncleared roads following recent snowfall. Locals have criticized the administration for what they perceive as negligence, claiming that despite only a few inches of snow, roads were left non-motorable, preventing access to medical facilities.
Residents expressed their anger and frustration in social media videos, calling for urgent action. One local lamented, “Is there anyone listening? We are being left at God’s mercy.” Another resident, Muhammad Jamaal Lone, criticized the lack of adequate healthcare facilities in the area, saying, “We have a health center, but there are no doctors. We’ve been struggling for hours to save the mother and child.”
The incident sparked outrage, with the community demanding accountability from the administration and calling for improvements in road clearance and healthcare services.
In response, Tehsildar Saqib Ahmed denied the allegations, describing them as baseless. He clarified that the woman went into labor while on her way to the hospital and gave birth en route. “Both the mother and child are safe,” he assured. He further explained that the administration had advised expectant mothers to stay in Kupwara due to the snowfall. “I spoke to the family, and they expressed satisfaction with the services provided. Immediate healthcare was ensured, and both mother and child are currently under medical care at PHC Dudi.”
Regarding the snow clearance, the Tehsildar stated that major roads had been cleared, and efforts were underway to clear the remaining roads. (KNO)
