Jahangeer Ganaie
Pulwama, Oct 17: Residents of Aghanzpora village in Awantipora area south Kashmir’s Pulwama district have urged the administration to construct a bridge over the river Jhelum at Awantipora, saying the long-pending demand is vital for connecting the area with the rest of the region.
Locals said that despite raising the demand for decades, authorities have failed to initiate any steps for the construction of the bridge.
They said the absence of a bridge has left them cut off, forcing them to rely on unsafe boats to cross the river.
Mohammad Younis, a resident of Aghanzpora, said that villagers have repeatedly appealed for a bridge near Ziyarat Shareef Awantipora but their pleas continue to fall on deaf ears. “Every election season, politicians come here seeking votes, but once they win, our demand is forgotten,” he said.
Another local, Mukhtar Ahmad Dar, said people risk their lives every day while crossing the river. “We are forced to use boats to reach schools, hospitals and markets. It feels like the government is waiting for another tragedy, like those seen elsewhere, before taking action,” he remarked, adding that several drowning incidents have already occurred in recent years.
Residents said successive governments and officials have made repeated promises, yet none have materialized. “We have approached the concerned departments multiple times, but no progress has been made on the ground,” they said.
Meanwhile, the villagers have once again appealed to Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, and other higher authorities to take immediate steps toward constructing the bridge. (KNO)
