Naveed Ul Haq
Budgam, Apr 19: The residents of the Shalnar, Frestiwar, Arigam and Draggar areas in this central Kashmir’s Budgam district are facing severe difficulties due to the non-completion of a bridge over the Shaliganga river in the Arigam area.
The residents said that the bridge, which connects these villages, has been under construction for the last five years by the PMGSY department but remains incomplete.
The incomplete bridge has led to numerous problems, including difficulty in accessing medical facilities, schools, and markets. ‘’As a result of the delay, villagers have been mostly cut off from Khansahib tehsil headquarters, causing significant inconvenience and suffering,’’ they said.
The villagers said despite repeated assurances from the authorities, the bridge remains unfinished, and they are left to bear the consequences.
“The PMGSY Department’s failure to complete the construction of the bridge despite the passage of five years has caused considerable inconvenience and suffering to us,” said a group of locals of Arigam. They urged the authorities to expedite the construction process.
When contacted, the concerned Executive Engineer of PMGSY said there were some technical issues with the concerned contractor who moved to the high court due to which the process was delayed. He assured that the department will look into the matter.