Fencing of bridges

Some of the bridges constructed over river Jhelum at multiple places have been fenced by the authorities after the number of suicide attempts were made by the people in the past. However, a few others that are left without the fencing are turning out as hotspots for the suicide attempts in Srinagar, which is a cause of concern. Just a day back on Thursday, a 55-year-old man has committed suicide by jumping into the river Jhelum here from Safa Kadal in Srinagar while his body has not been retrieved yet despite the fact that hectic efforts are going on.’ A massive rescue operation was launched to trace the body on Thursday, but there are no traces of him so far while the operation continued for the second straight day today. While the SDRF and River police were already on the job, the authorities roped in the Indian Army’s MARCOS to trace the body. Nonetheless, the situation is worsening as the spot has witnessed a few more such incidents in the past as well, but one needs to understand that such incidents have to be put to an immediate end. Such incidents should not be repeated, thus the authorities concerned should identify all such places that are turning into hot spots for the suicide attempts and ensure immediate fencing of these bridges so that the area remains covered and no space is left for the people to commit such actions. The proper fencing of bridges are not only important for curbing the suicide attempts, but would also ensure safety of the pedestrians, walking of the paths of these bridges.