Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Aug 9: The vital bridge connecting 2000 souls of Hayan, Palpora, Ninhama, Tangdaji and other adjoining villages with main highway in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district has turned into a death trap as the same poses threat to human lives.
The only approach bridge laid over the gushing waters of Nallah Sindh has been never repaired for more than a decade, the residents of almost half a dozen villages said.
A local said that the bridge is non-operational which has resulted in inconvenience to the general public. “Common masses, transporters and others are facing a lot of inconvenience in reaching different destinations,” he said.
Though, years ago construction of a concrete bridge was started but it was concluded with the erection of two pillars due to non-availability of funds as the reason given by the authorities, the locals alleged.
The inhabitants said that authorities should have given priority to the existing foot bridge instead of wasting money on erecting the pillars for the new bridge.
“The existing damaged bridge is a risk to cross over particularly for children as people suffered badly during bad weather and medical emergencies,” the locals said, adding that “District administration should take immediate steps to mitigate the problem before any untoward incident takes place in the area.”
Officials said that improvement of the bridge has been sanctioned recently under B2V3 Program, and accordingly tendering process has been initiated.
