Firdous Ahmad
TANGMARAG, April 16: In an era when governments boast of “last-mile connectivity” and “development reaching every doorstep,” Ringwali Baderkote, a remote village nestled in the picturesque region of Tangmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, paints a grim picture of administrative neglect and official apathy.
Despite being home to over 150 households and a population that exceeds 1,000 residents, Ringwali Baderkote remains deprived of the most basic civic amenities. The residents here have been struggling without a healthcare facility, proper schooling infrastructure, veterinary care, and public transport—necessities that remain a distant dream for this forgotten hamlet.
No Healthcare, Only Helplessness
The absence of a primary health centre (PHC) or even a sub-centre has left the villagers vulnerable to health emergencies. In case of illness or accidents, the residents are forced to carry patients on makeshift stretchers or private vehicles over 10 kilometers to reach the nearest hospital in Tangmarg town. For pregnant women, children, and elderly patients, this delay can be a matter of life and death.
“We are forced to take the sick on shoulders or rent private cabs, which is both time-consuming and expensive,” said Farooq Ahmad Koli, a local resident. “Many times, patients deteriorate before reaching the hospital.”
No School for Over 300 Students
Adding to the woes is the glaring absence of a proper school building. Over 300 students from the village are either accommodated in a cramped, dilapidated two-room structure or have to walk miles to neighboring villages for basic education.
“There is no middle or high school in our area. The existing primary school is in shambles,” said Bag Hussain, a resident and father of three school-going children. “Children often drop out after Class 5 because their parents can’t afford the risk or expense of sending them far for education.”
The lack of infrastructure not only affects students’ academic performance but also puts their safety at risk, especially during harsh winters and inclement weather.
Livestock Suffer as Well
Agriculture and livestock rearing form the backbone of Ringwali Baderkote’s local economy. Ironically, there is no veterinary center or animal husbandry unit to cater to the health needs of the livestock population.
“Cattle here suffer from untreated diseases. We can’t even get basic vaccines or deworming done on time,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a farmer who lost two cows last year due to lack of medical care. “For the government, it’s as if we and our animals do not exist.”
Public Transport: A Distant Dream
Despite its population and increasing mobility needs, Ringwali Baderkote has no public transport system. The absence of bus or shared cab services cuts off the village from economic opportunities and vital services in Tangmarg and beyond.
Students, daily wagers, and elderly citizens are forced to either walk long distances or depend on expensive private transport. “This is not just inconvenient, it’s humiliating,” added Farooq Ahmad Koli. “We feel completely cut off from the rest of the world.”
Repeated Appeals, No Action
Local residents claim that they have made repeated appeals to district officials and public representatives, but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
“We have submitted memorandums, raised these issues in Gram Sabhas, and even approached higher authorities. But nothing has changed,” said Bag Hussain. “It is a clear case of systemic negligence.”
A Call for Urgent Intervention
As the election season draws near and political parties make tall claims about rural development, the plight of Ringwali Baderkote is a stark reminder of the ground reality. The villagers demand immediate attention from the district administration and elected representatives to address the lack of basic facilities.
They seek: Establishment of a primary health centre.
Construction of a middle and high school building. Setting up of a veterinary sub-centre.
Introduction of public transport services.
Until these demands are met, the residents of Ringwali Baderkote continue to suffer in silence—cut off from the promises of a better tomorrow.
