A village that feeds the region deserves to be nurtured with care
Asham, affectionately known as “The Valley of Apples”, is a scenic and economically significant village situated on the banks of the River Jhelum in Tehsil Sonawari. The village contributes substantially to the region’s economy through its thriving horticulture, agriculture, small-scale businesses, and retail trade. Despite this, Asham faces long-standing developmental neglect, severely impacting the daily lives of its residents. With a population deeply rooted in hard work and self-reliance, the people of Asham are disheartened by the absence of basic public infrastructure, which continues to hinder their quality of life, mobility, education, and access to essential services.
The roads in and around Asham remain unmacadamised, making transportation hazardous and inconvenient, especially during rainy and winter months. This affects all aspects of daily life—from transporting children to school and accessing hospitals to moving agricultural produce. Students, patients, and farmers are among the worst affected. Moreover, the only footbridge over the River Jhelum—an essential daily connection used by schoolchildren, the elderly, and workers—is in a dangerous state of disrepair. Broken planks, rusted supports, and the absence of railings make it a potential disaster waiting to happen. The bridge urgently needs comprehensive repair or total reconstruction to ensure the safety of the hundreds who rely on it every day.
Healthcare remains another pressing concern for Asham. The village lacks a Community Health Centre (CHC), forcing residents to travel long distances even for primary medical care. In emergencies, this delay can mean the difference between life and death, especially for pregnant women, the elderly, and accident victims. The absence of medical infrastructure continues to compromise the well-being of the entire community.
Adding to these challenges is the complete lack of fire and emergency services. Asham’s traditional wooden homes and widespread orchards make the area particularly vulnerable to fire hazards. The absence of any local fire protection or emergency response team leaves the community exposed and helpless in the face of disasters. Recent fire incidents in nearby areas are stark reminders of how vital such facilities can be.
Education in Asham is equally distressing. The village does not have a Government Higher Secondary School, leading to increasing dropout rates, especially among girls, due to safety concerns and financial constraints. Many students are forced to give up their education because there is no nearby school offering higher secondary education. Furthermore, there is not a single playground or sports facility in the village. With no structured recreational activities or sports engagement, many youths fall prey to unhealthy lifestyles, including drug abuse and antisocial behaviour. A playground or youth centre could significantly promote physical and mental well-being among the younger population.
The community’s intellectual growth is also hampered by the lack of a public library. In an era where information is power, students, job seekers, and curious minds in Asham have no access to books, digital learning tools, or a quiet space to study. A basic village library could foster a culture of learning and academic excellence.
Economically, Asham remains underserved in terms of financial services. Despite its dependence on farming and small businesses, the village does not have a JK Bank branch. This prevents residents from accessing loans, savings accounts, government subsidies, and financial literacy programmes. The absence of banking services also hinders the adoption of digital payments and other modern economic tools that are now integral to rural development schemes across the country.
Asham’s youth are highly capable and full of potential. Many have shown promise in academics, sports, and various creative fields. However, they remain unrecognised and unsupported due to the lack of facilities and opportunities. With the right investment in education, health, and skill development, these young individuals could contribute significantly to regional development and even represent the area on broader platforms. Asham does not seek privileges—it requests basic infrastructure and fair opportunities to grow.
We, the residents of Asham, respectfully appeal to the UT Government of Jammu & Kashmir, the MLA Sonawari, the Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora, the District Development Council (DDC) members, and the Tehsil Administration of Sonawari to take immediate and result-oriented action on the issues highlighted above. Asham is not asking for special treatment—we are demanding our basic rights: dignity, education, healthcare, youth development, safety, and financial inclusion.
With timely intervention, Asham can be transformed into a model village of north Kashmir – vibrant, productive, educated, and proud of its youth.
The writer is a librarian at Government Medical College (GMC), Handwara
Sajad Ahmad Kumar