Jahangeer Ganaie
Shopian, Sep 19: A bridge in Dachnoo area of Heerpora in South Kashmir’s Shopian district collapsed in which two drivers escaped unhurt miraculously.
The locals said a bridge that connects Dachnoo village of Heerpora with main Heerpora collapsed due to heavy load of dumpers that were carrying macdamisation material for Dachnoo road.
The residents of the area said that after a long time, the government had initiated the process of macadamizing the road and people were very jubilant.
They however, said that due to collapse of the bridge, the macadamization work was put on halt as this was the only connectivity to the village.
Inhabitants alleged that the bridge wasn’t constructed properly and concerned department along with contractors are responsible for its collapse, adding that they will face hardships due to the absence of the bridge.
They further added that the government should constitute a committee to investigate the matter and take erring officials and contractors to task.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar visited the spot to assess the situation. The DC was accompanied by concerned officers and officials of the departments.
The DC assessed the current position at the spot and issued directions to R&B department for immediate restoration of traffic. The R&B was directed for immediate clearance of stuck vehicles and construction of diversion for traffic restoration, as an immediate and temporary measure.
The Deputy Commissioner also took up the matter of construction of Bailey bridge with the Chief Engineer, R&B, Kashmir, who has sent a team of officials for assessment and corresponding construction of the bridge, which will take three or four days.
Meanwhile, Police has already registered an FIR and investigation has been taken up.
