Darbagh Shopian residents await vital bridge over nallah Tongri

Shopian, May 14: Residents of Darbagh village in the Zainapora subdivision of south Kashmir’s Shopian district have expressed concern over the delay in the construction of a long-promised bridge over Nallah Tongri, despite the project already receiving official sanction.
The proposed bridge is meant to replace an old and damaged structure that suffered severe damage during the devastating floods of 2014. Since then, the bridge has continued to remain in a fragile and unsafe condition, while serving as a crucial link for Darbagh and several neighbouring villages.
Locals said that the condition of the existing bridge has deteriorated significantly over the years, making it risky for commuters and vehicles. They said the structure has tilted and developed visible weaknesses, forcing heavy vehicles to avoid the route altogether.
“The bridge is in a dangerous condition and can collapse at any time. Small vehicles cross with difficulty, while larger vehicles cannot use it at all,” said Aamir Ahmad, a resident.
He said the fear intensifies during rainy weather when the water level in the stream rises sharply. “Whenever there is heavy rainfall, people remain worried throughout the day. If the bridge gives way, several households could lose connectivity,” Ahmad added.
Locals said they have repeatedly raised the issue with the concerned authorities over the years through public grievance meetings and during election campaigns, but the project has yet to take off on the ground.
“We have been hearing promises for years, but practically nothing has happened so far,” another resident said.
Residents said the absence of a proper bridge has hampered overall development in the area, adding that the improved connectivity would help students, patients, traders and commuters, besides ensuring safer movement for the public.
This is not only a matter of connectivity, but also of public safety and basic infrastructure, they said, adding that a proper bridge is the need of the hour.
Residents have appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, MLA Showkat Hussain Ganaie, and district authorities to expedite the execution of the sanctioned project and ensure that construction work begins without any further delay.
An official said the bridge project has already been sanctioned and is presently under the tendering process. “The bridge has been approved, and the construction work is expected to start soon,” he said. (KNO)