For the residents of Naghsari village in Kupwara district, Kashmir, the protection wall of the bridge, damaged in the flash floods two years ago, was a matter of concern. So, when Goonj visited their village, the locals expressed their interest to take up the repair of the bridge under Goonj’s ‘Dignity For Work’ initiative. Being the only road for three villages, it was used by the villagers to traverse from the main road to the villages and from there to their homes. Moreover, this was the only commutable road for locals going to the nearby woods to collect firewood and to the local mill (chakki). Determined to bring the bridge back to life, they toiled for two days by laying stones, one by one. And soon, the dilapidated structure was restored to its former glory. As for the 75 participants, they were ecstatic… to know their road back home would now be a safe one. However, their biggest takeaway was the realization that, with their capabilities, they could build things for their own community just the way they built structures for the urban dwellers. The Naghsari residents are daily wagers who often travelled to Kupwara and Kalaroos regions for work. While some of them were engaged in the apple orchards of Kashmir, others were engaged as helpers, construction workers and loading labourers. But this year, with the lockdown things were different. Thus, for many of them, the Rahat Kits of essentials rewarded by Goonj were like an answered prayer.
Story Teller: Fayaz Ahmad
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DFW at Naghsari village in Kupwara district, Kashmir
